BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The trial of a man charged with murder in the shooting death of a gay rights activist at Yokuts Park is scheduled to begin early next year. Judge David Wolf on Thursday set Jan 6 as the trial date for Fredi Rivera, who's charged with first-degree murder and violating a 10-year firearm prohibition. Rivera is being held on $1 million bail. H.A. Sala was relieved as Rivera's attorney during Thursday's hearing. The Public Defender's Office is now representing him. Rivera is accused of killing Daniel Landeros, who was shot the night of Sept. 18, 2023, while walking through the park with a male friend. The friend told police a man approached and called Landeros a gay slur. Landeros and the man argued while the friend waited near a bench, according to court documents. Soon after, the friend heard a single gunshot then saw Landeros stumble toward him, documents said. A vehicle sped away. Landeros was declared dead at the scene. Police linked Rivera to the suspect vehicle and arrested him in October 2023, documents said. Rivera was on probation for grand theft.