Trials scheduled for hit-and-run and home invasion suspects

Two men in separate high profile cases in Marquette County are now headed to trial.

Michael Nelson, 46, of Big Bay appeared in Marquette County Circuit Court Monday for a scheduling conference.  He pled not guilty to one charge of failure to stop at the scene of an accident, causing death.

Nelson’s case is now headed for a five-day trial set to begin on October 13.

Nelson is the main suspect in a December accident on County Road KCB in Big Bay that killed Robin Rahoi.

Robert Rajala, 33, also appeared in court Monday for a scheduling conference.  Rajala pled not guilty to first degree home invasion,.

He has a four-day trial scheduled for September 16.

Rajala was at the center of a 15-hour standoff with police in Ishpeming, during which he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and made threats about killing people.