Trial rescheduled for suspect in WSP trooper shooting

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The trial for a Walla Walla man accused of shooting Washington State Patrol Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr. on Sept. 22, 2022, has been rescheduled. Atkinson survived the shooting.

The trial for Brandon Dennis O’Neel, 38, had been scheduled to begin Monday but is now set to begin Dec. 16 in Walla Walla County Superior Court.

O’Neel faces multiple charges including first-degree attempted murder, plus threats to bomb or injure property.

Walla Walla County Prosecuting Attorney Gabe Acosta said Atkinson is expected to testify.

File photo of Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr.