Man Accused Of Shooting, Killing OK Homeowner Goes To Trial

A man accused of shooting a homeowner who chased him down after a burglary is going to trial this week. He is one of three men accused of the killing 53-year-old Albert Rider.

James South, Bradley Keith and Michael Choate all originally faced first degree murder charges. Choate knew Rider, but the other two did not.

Choate is yet to go to trial. But the man accused of pulling the trigger, James South, is set to go to trial Thursday. That is when jury selection is set to begin.

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"We know in the end ultimately we're going to have justice," said Rich Rider, Albert's son. "And we're just thankful we're able to see some of that justice served now."

Rich Rider and his sisters are anxious for the trial against James South to begin. South is accused of shooting and killing their father Albert last October. They say they still can't believe the man known for helping so many people is actually gone.

"Dad was a loving guy," Rich Rider said.

Rich says his father confronted South and Bradley Austin Keith, about a burglary that had just taken place at his home near Harrah Newalla Rd. He says they then jumped into Albert's van and tried to take off, but that Albert jumped on top of the van, only to get shot at from inside.

"He was tough he was a fighter," said Rich Rider. "He hated a thief. I think that's what kept driving him."

Albert Rider managed to drive himself to a nearby house, but crashed into their gate. He later died at the hospital.

Rider leaves behind a wife, a son, and two daughters. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, two of which he will never meet.

"None of them are going to get to see their grandpa," Rider said.

The family says what's even worse is that Albert actually knew one of the three men accused in burglary gone bad.

Court papers reveal Michael Preston Choate is accused of driving South and Keith to Albert's home - saying they would find guns there.

Choate at one time worked for Albert, and even received help from him.

"Helped him out many, many times," said Rich. "He got stabbed in the back,"

Choate is yet to go to trial in this case. But both he and South have pled not guilty.

Bradley Keith has accepted a plea deal with the state. He was sentenced to 27 years in prison for burglary with a deadly weapon instead of murder, and has agreed to testify at South's trial.