The preliminary hearing for a Delhi man accused of shooting to death his son is slated to begin mid-November.

Daniel McDonald, 67, has been held in custody at the Merced County Jail since his arrest on April 9, for the death of his 46-year-old son Donald McDonald.

McDonald is facing a charge of first-degree murder.

The preliminary hearing, which is being held to determine if there is enough evidence to hold McDonald over for trial on the charges against him, is scheduled to begin Nov. 17. McDonald’s defense attorney, Frank Carson, stated he may have a scheduling conflict and the hearing might have to be postponed.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, the arresting agency, McDonald allegedly killed his son over a busted chainsaw.

The sheriff’s department said the two men argued at their Delhi home about a chainsaw that Donald McDonald either couldn’t or wouldn’t fix.

The argument built up to the point that McDonald allegedly exploded in anger and grabbed a rifle. The sheriff’s department said McDonald shot his son once, killing him almost instantly.

McDonald was still grasping the smoking rifle when sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene.

The fatal shooting occurred in front of several witnesses, according to the sheriff’s department.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.