BROWNSTOWN — The trial of 61-year-old Seymour man accused of murdering his brother-in-law in the parking lot of a grocery store on the city’s west side earlier this month has been set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 27.

Jackson Circuit Court Judge Richard W. Poynter scheduled William E. Baker’s jury trial during his initial court appearance Monday.

Police said Baker fatally shot Dustin Payne, 33, of Scipio on March 10 in front of his four children, ages 7 to 12, during a visitation exchange in the parking lot at JayC Food Store, 1181 W. Tipton St.

The two were brothers-in-law, as Baker is married to Payne’s sister.

Payne was buried Saturday at Scipio Cemetery.

Baker faces between 45 and 65 years in prison if convicted, with an advisory sentence of 55 years if prosecutors do not seek the death penalty or life without parole. He also faces a maximum fine of $10,000.

Baker’s pretrial conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 20. A plea deadline was not set.

Deputy Prosecutor Mark Hollingsworth is listed as the attorney for the state.

During his initial hearing conducted through a video conference, Poynter entered a preliminary plea of not guilty on his behalf.

"I guess because it’s all up in the air right now," Baker told Poynter when asked if he needed a court-appointed attorney.

Baker appeared alongside two other inmates at the jail and mostly remained quiet until Poynter asked him if he understood after he read Baker his rights to trial.

"Yes sir," he said several times after Poynter asked if he understood the charges.

Baker told police he "Didn’t mean to hurt that boy" in an interview following the shooting, according to court documents.

Seven witnesses were interviewed by police following the incident, including Baker, his wife, Payne’s ex-wife and girlfriend and Payne’s four children.

Baker is the third inmate at the Jackson County Jail being held on murder charges.

Darrell Stanton, 58, of Crothersville is being held for the murder of Dustin Robbins, 35, of Salem. Authorities say he murdered Robbins on April 5, 2017. Stanton’s trial is scheduled for April 1.

Brian Cogdill, 44, is being held for the murder of Emma Jamison, 19, of Seymour after police said he brutally beat her Sept. 7. He is scheduled to stand trial June 10.