The trial of a man accused of shooting a LaPorte County sheriff’s deputy inside a hospital emergency room is tentatively scheduled for early February 2027.

During a hearing this past week, a judge set Feb. 1 or Feb. 8 as possible start dates for Sharod Grafton’s jury trial.

The defense’s request to move the case to another venue was denied. The court is pursuing potential jurors from four counties outside the area affected by pretrial publicity.

A possible plea agreement that could have removed weapons-related sentencing enhancements was not discussed at the hearing.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20.