A three-day trial has been set for Joshua Glen Coleman, who has been charged with manslaughter and abuse of a child in the death of his son. South Central District Court Judge Bruce Romanick on Monday scheduled a three-day trial, starting on Nov. 7.

Morton County Assistant State's Attorney Brian Grosinger said two days may be sufficient for the trial, but he requested that three days be set aside in case testimony from the medical examiner takes longer than expected.

"There are not going to be a real big number of witnesses," he said.

Coleman, 25, was charged in April in connection with the death of his 4-month-old son.

Mandan police and medical personnel responded to a 911 call on the morning of Feb. 16 from Coleman, who said that his infant son, Reese Coleman, wasn't breathing.

The baby was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Charges were filed against Coleman based on autopsy reports and Coleman's testimony.

The autopsy turned up evidence that the baby died of blunt force trauma to the head, consistent with what happens to an infant who has been shaken.

Coleman's attorney, Wayne Goter, asked that Romanick amend the bond order to include requiring his client to undergo a mental health evaluation. Coleman has been depressed and unable to find work since the charges were filed, Goter said.

Romanick amended the bond order to include the mental health evaluation.

Goter said that Coleman also has requested that a new lawyer be appointed for him.

"This is something me and my girlfriend have both discussed, along with both of our families," Coleman said.

Coleman said he felt like Goter was unavailable too often when he called.

"I can understand that; he takes a lot of court-appointed cases," he said.

Romanick said that if there is a conflict, he would appoint a new lawyer. But he cautioned Coleman that any other attorney would be just as busy.

Romanick said he would probably OK appointing a new attorney once, adding that he thought Goter was one of the best available.

"You have a right to an attorney," Romanick said. "But not the attorney of your choice."

Goter said he would meet with his client later this week to discuss the matter.

Goter also requested that Romanick approve funds for the defense to hire an independent investigator to analyze medical records from the case. Romanick said he would put in the request.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com)