A trial-setting hearing is scheduled in May for a St. Joseph man accused in connection with a shooting incident in December on the Parkway near the Hillcrest Transitional Housing apartments. Prosecutors have filed additional charges against Gerald Johnson Jr., which include much harsher penalties than the charges in the original complaint.

Mr Johnson is now charged as a persistent offender with 1st degree assault and 2nd degree robbery, along with charges of armed criminal action.

He was arraigned on the new charges Monday in Buchanan County Circuit Court.

Johnson is accused in connection with a robbery and shooting of Trevor Keith, 23, in a truck parked near Parkway A on Dec. 15. He faces a possible life prison term if convicted, and would have to serve at least 85% of whatever sentence is handed down.

According to online court records, Johnson rejected a plea offer on the original charges of assault and armed criminal action.

A co-defendant in the case has pleaded guilty. Adrian Taylor is scheduled for sentencing June 6.