Latest: Former Sopranos star Lillo Brancato Jr. is to face a murder trial next month (Oct08) over the death of a New York police officer.

A judge in the city ruled on Friday (19Sep08) that Brancato and co-defendant Steven Armento would be tried separately, although federal prosecutors argued for the pair to face the court together.

The 31-year-old actor and Armento have been in New York's Riker's Island jail for almost two years awaiting trial for the 2005 shooting of off-duty officer Daniel Enchautegui, who was allegedly killed while attempting to thwart a burglary at the house next door to his home.

Brancato has protested his innocence throughout.

The star's murder trial is set for 28 October (08), while Armento goes on trial on 29 September (08). (c) WENN