Nick Fontanelli, charged in death of LaSalle mother, in court for preliminary hearing

Nick Fontanelli, charged in the death of his fiancée Samantha Higgins, is appearing in court Monday for his preliminary hearing.

The 24-year-old is charged with first-degree murder and committing an indignity to a body.

WATCH: Nick Fontanelli, charged in the death of his fiancée Samantha Higgins, appeared in court Monday for his preliminary hearing. Global’s Tim Sargeant reports.

1:12 Nick Fontanelli in court for preliminary hearing

READ MORE: Mother of Samantha Higgins desperate for justice

A publication ban has been put in place on all testimony, including that of Higgins’ mother, who testified Monday morning.

“I just want everyone to remember Sam. I don’t want her to be forgotten,” Vanessa Higgins told Global News last year.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I just want everyone to remember Sam. I don't want her to be forgotten," Vanessa Higgins <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/2462786/family-of-samantha-higgins-coping-by-trying-to-adopt-bridge-where-she-was-found/" target="_blank">told Global News last year</a>.

WATCH BELOW: Remembering Samantha Higgins

2:25 Samantha Higgins: Remembering a life taken to soon

• Samantha Higgins: Remembering a life taken to soon
• Vanessa Higgins wants justice for daughter
• EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Vanessa Higgins on her daughter

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The young, 22-year-old mother of two was last seen walking home from a friend’s house in LaSalle on July 7, 2015.

READ MORE: Fiancé charged with first-degree murder of Samantha Higgins

Her dismembered body was found three days later in a bag under a bridge in Hinchinbrooke, roughly 75 kilometres south-west of Montreal.

The preliminary hearing is expected to last until Feb. 28.