A new judge has been appointed to preside over the case of the man accused of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident in Minot on Christmas Eve.

Northwest District Judge Daniel El-Dweek from Watford City has been assigned to the case of Daniel Breijo, 39, Surrey, after the recusal of all Ward County judicial officers due to their familiarity with the suspect and alleged victims in the case. Ward County State’s Attorney staff also have recused themselves from the case on the same grounds, with Stark County State’s Attorney Amanda Engelstad selected to serve as special prosecutor.

Breijo is charged with the murder of Master Sgt. Nicholas Van Pelt, 41, Minot, a Class AA felony; attempted murder for shooting the unidentified female victim, a Class A felony; and simple assault of a police officer, a Class C felony. Court records indicate the assault charge arose from an incident that occurred during the booking process. Breijo is accused of grabbing a correctional officer by leg and causing the officer to fall and hit their head on the floor. Officers noted that Breijo was showing signs of intoxication at the time.

Prior court dates have been rescheduled for Breijo, with his preliminary hearing now moved to Feb. 29 at 2 p.m.