Hearing rescheduled for men accused in Tabor student death

A McPherson County Judge has rescheduled the preliminary hearing for two men accused in the death of a Tabor College student.

26-year-old Brandon Brown died last month after a fight in McPherson. He was a Tabor College football player

Alton Franklin and Dequinte Flournoy are charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder.  This is the third time defense attorneys asked for a delay.

Prosecutors were prepared to present evidence against the two men charged in connection with Brown's murder.

Police say the men were involved in a fight near McPherson college last month that left Brown unconscious.  He was flown to a Wichita hospital where he died six days later from injuries related to his beating. 

Investigators have kept the details about the murder quiet. The hearing would have been the first opportunity for them to reveal details of their case but the defense was not ready.

The state tell says all of their witnesses were present and ready to testify in court.  However, now the hearing will be postponed until early December to give the defense attorneys more time to prepare.

"I believe it was in the best interest of the state to not object to the court granting these continuances, the court in fact did grant continuances to both defendants," says David Page, McPherson County Attorney.

Brown's family was not present in the courtroom for the hearing. They live in California.  Brown leaves behind an infant daughter and a 3 year-old son.

If there's a trial, the family is expected to make the trip to McPherson.  Both defendants will remain in jail until the next preliminary hearing. 

The McPherson police chief tells us detectives are still actively investigating Brown's death.   He would not speculate about more arrests being made.