Trial scheduled for man accused of accidentally shooting son

A Richmond Township man who is accused of accidentally shooting his 18-year-old son during an argument is headed to trial.

Richard Lehto, 52, appeared in Marquette County Circuit Court Tuesday for a scheduling conference.  He has a final pretrial and jury trial scheduled for August 14 and 25, respectively.

Lehto pled not guilty by mail earlier this month for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, weapons firearm use under the influence causing impairment, and domestic violence, third offense.

Troopers from the Negaunee Post of the Michigan State Police were called to Lehto’s home in March after receiving reports of a shooting incident between two family members.  Police say Lehto’s son, Zachary, was injured during the dispute when a firearm accidentally discharged.

Zachary underwent emergency surgery shortly after at Marquette General Hospital and was upgraded to stable condition a few days later.