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Brunswick judge grants bench trial for detective accused in teen's death

A Brunswick County judge has granted a motion asking for a bench trial in the case involving a Southport police detective accused of shooting and killing 18-year-old Keith Vidal.

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Court and legal
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — A Brunswick County judge has granted a motion asking for a bench trial in the case involving a Southport police detective accused of shooting and killing 18-year-old Keith Vidal.

The decision means a judge will hear the case instead of a 12-member jury.

Bryon Vassey was charged with voluntary manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed Vidal at his home on Jan. 5, 2014.

Vidal's parents reportedly called police for help because he was suffering from a schizophrenic episode and carrying a screwdriver in his hand.

According to police reports, Vassey reported firing shots 70 seconds after he arrived in order to defend himself and other officers.