A Clarkston man will get separate trials on charges that he fatally shot a Lewiston man then tried to elude police in a high-speed chase several hours later.

Idaho 2nd District Judge Jeff Brudie has ruled that Leotis Branigh, 31, will get separate trials for charges of first-degree murder and felony eluding. The charges stem from the Oct. 1 shooting death of Michael Johnston, 32, in Lewiston and a subsequent police chase.

Branigh’s attorney had argued the two events occurred almost two hours apart and a jury could be persuaded his failure to stop when pursued by the police was evidence of guilt.

Branigh remains in custody at the Nez Perce County Jail and is scheduled to stand trial March 17.