First degree murder trial scheduled for May in Decorah

The trial of one of two Decorah area residents charged with first degree murder will be held in May, a judge has ruled.  Jacob Seelinger faces charges of first degree murder and causing willful injury  in the death of 46-year-old David Hansen of Decorah.

Following a scheduling conference this week, a "firm date" of Monday, May 13th has been scheduled for the start of Seelinger's trial.  The trial could last all week, according to court records.

Seelinger and another Decorah resident, Dalton Adam, were arrested in late July of last year for what police described as "a brutal beating" of Hansen.  Hansen eventually died from the injuries he received.

Dalton Adam will face a separate trial on the charges filed against him.  A pretrial hearing in that case is scheduled for March 5th.