Two men accused in the shooting death of a Lawrence hip-hop artist in 2006 will stand trial separately.

A judge on Monday granted a defense motion for the separate trials for Durrell Jones and Major Edwards.

The two face first-degree murder charges in the death of 28-year-old Anthony Vital.

Vital’s body was found in October 2006 dumped in a field west of Lawrence.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s office wanted just one trial, arguing the men acted together in the murder.

Edwards’ trial is set for Oct. 19. Jones’ trial is slated for Oct. 26.