JUNEAU -- The trial of a 26-year-old Juneau man charged with second-degree murder in a fatal pickup crash more than a year ago has been set for December.

Ryan W. West is charged with killing 19-year-old Gabriel Carte in the single-vehicle crash June 6, 2011, at Mile 32 Glacier Highway.

The Juneau Empire reports West claims he was not the driver.

The trial has been delayed by litigation in the case.

Superior Court Judge Louis Menendez last week rejected a defense motion to recuse himself.

His decision was upheld by a Ketchikan judge reviewing the request. Superior Court Judge William Carey concluded that no bias had been shown by Menendez or even alleged by West's attorney.

West's attorney continues to seek suppression of blood evidence taken after the crash.