PRINEVILLE — A Bend man charged with murder in a fatal shooting that prompted a police chase in May pleaded not guilty Thursday in Crook County Circuit Court.

Russell Votruba, 42, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, unlawful use of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle and possessing a weapon as a convicted felon.

Votruba’s attorney, David Rich, asked the court to move toward a jury trial in mid-spring of 2024. His pre-trial conference was scheduled Dec. 21.

Votruba is accused of killing Christopher Hoffman, 41, of Powell Butte.

Police have said Votruba called a person on the day of the killing to explain he had killed Hoffman. That person then called 911.

Authorities found Hoffman’s body that day inside a home on 12089 SW Red Cloud Road in Powell Butte.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted Votruba driving Hoffman’s black 2021 BMW, prompting a police chase along U.S. Highway 97 that ended after he drove over police spike strips. He drove off the road near the Yew Avenue exit in Redmond.

When police approached the car, he shot himself multiple times but survived after being taken to St. Charles Bend, authorities have said.