Trial has been postponed again for a Vicksburg man accused of shooting and killing his son following an argument.

Winifred Gene Allen, 65, 2255 Freetown Road, will stand trial for murder March 18 in the death of his son, Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Allen, Circuit Judge Isadore Patrick ruled Wednesday. Trial had been set for Aug. 27, but defense attorney Eugene Perrier said Winifred Allen, who did not appear in court, is medically unable to stand trial.

“He is waiting for some sort of heart surgery,” Perrier said.

Winifred Allen was originally set to go to trial Feb. 27. Patrick granted a continuance after Perrier said he was not ready to proceed.

Winifred Allen is accused of shooting Jerry Allen, who was 36 and lived at 1626 Broadhill Drive, on May 26, 2011, Sheriff Martin Pace said. The father and son had been arguing and had exchanged a series of heated text messages the day of the shooting, Pace said. Jerry Allen drove to 1254 Dillon Ridge Road, where Winifred Allen was visiting, and had just stepped out of his vehicle to confront his father when he was shot multiple times with a 9mm pistol, Pace said.

Deputies found Jerry Allen on the ground, and witnesses identified Winifred Allen as the shooter, Pace said.

Deputies retrieved a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting, Pace said.

If convicted, Winifred Allen faces life in prison.

Trial was also postponed for Edward Johnson, 48, 1316 Wilson St. who is accused of stealing casino winnings from a man Nov. 12, 2010.

Perrier represents Johnson also. He said Johnson is medically unable to stand trial but did not provide further details.

Patrick set an April 1 trial date for Johnson.

Johnson was indicted in January as a habitual offender and was convicted of aggravated assault in 1994 and attempted robbery in 2006. If convicted Johnson faces a mandatory 15-year sentence.