A preliminary hearing for a Limestone County man accused of fatally shooting another man at a 2015 gathering has been waived. Now his case will be heard by a grand jury.

Randall James Townsend, 21, of 15975 Witty Mill Road, was to appear for his preliminary hearing Tuesday in Limestone County District Court. However, his attorney, Harlan Mitchell of Athens, waived the hearing to allow the grand jury to determine whether there is adequate evidence to try his client, court records show.

Townsend is charged with murder in the Dec. 5, 2015, shooting of Zachori Keith Blackwell, 24, at Xtreme Performance auto-repair shop on York Lane.

Authorities said shortly after 5 a.m., Limestone County sheriff’s deputies were called to the shop where a gathering had been held to find Blackwell shot. Witnesses said Blackwell, who lived on Blackburn Road, began to argue with his wife. Blackwell, who was allegedly intoxicated, struck her and became otherwise aggressive toward her. He also struck and pushed two other people.

Others at the party told Townsend to use his truck to block the gate to the property to prevent Blackwell from leaving in an intoxicated state. Townsend complied with the request, and Blackwell shoved him to the ground. After returning to his feet, Townsend pulled a gun from the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt and shot seven rounds at Blackwell, striking him five times, including three times in the back.

Townsend was arrested and charged with murder.

He remains free on a $250,000 bond.