Trial date set for former Baltimore cop accused of killing neighbor after dog argument

CENTREVILLE, Md. - A trial date has been set for Charles "Pete" Richter, the Stevensville man accused of shooting his neighbor to death in April 2011.  Richter, a former Baltimore City police officer, is accused of first and second degree murder, assault and other charges related to the death of Mark Xander.

Richter's case was placed on the inactive docket last fall, but according to Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Lance Richardson, a trial date involving an identical set of charges has been set. Richter's case will be heard starting April 2nd.  Authorities say Xander was shot in the back following an argument about his dog, which had wandered into Richter's yard. 

The 66-year-old Richter staged two previous unsuccessful campaigns for Queen Anne's County Sheriff.  He is being held at the Queen Anne's County Detention Center.