The case of a former NIU student accused of throwing a concrete block and killing a housemate will go to trial May 1, more than six months after the initial arrest.

Louis Carfagnini, 21, of Elmwood Park is charged with first-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the Sept. 15 death of fellow Evans Scholar Brian White. White was struck on the head by a concrete block police say was thrown by Carfagnini from a third-story balcony outside the Evans Scholars house, 901 Greenbrier Road.

A DeKalb grand jury justified the first-degree murder charge Oct. 4. Carfagnini pled not guilty to both charges Oct. 20.

Carfagnini appeared before DeKalb County Circuit Judge Douglas R. Engel Monday morning with his lawyer, DeKalb public defender Ken Johnson, and prosecuting attorney Clint Hull. Engel said the meeting would be the final continuance and that the case would move to trial in May.

For first-degree murder, Carfagnini could face 20 to 60 years in prison or the possibility of the death penalty. If convicted of manslaughter, a Class 3 felony, Carfagnini could face two to five years in prison.

Carfagnini is out of police custody but no longer is enrolled in classes at NIU. Evans Scholars are members of a non-fraternal organization consisting of Chick Evans Scholarship recipients. The full-ride awards are given to excelling students who have worked previously as golf caddies.