FLANDREAU — The stage is set in Moody County for the upcoming capital murder trial of Joseph Hoek, the man accused in the hit-and-run death of Moody County Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for June 20 at 11 a.m.

State Attorney General Marty Jackley is spearheading the prosecution in the case that could ultimately lead to the death penalty. Hoek is accused of first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the Feb. 2 hit-and-run incident along state Highway 34, where Prorok lost his life laying down a spike strip to stop Hoek in a high-speed chase out of Madison.

An eyewitness reported seeing Hoek deliberately swerve to hit Prorok and flee the scene.

Jackley has cited two factors the state believes justify the death penalty under state law: That Hoek committed first-degree murder while Prorok was engaged in the performance of his official duties and that he also committed first-degree murder for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest of Hoek.

Hoek has pleaded not guilty in the case.

The courtroom is expected to be filled with both Hoek’s family along with the family of Prorok, many of his colleagues, and fellow law enforcement as emotions run high on both sides.