EDMONTON – A trial date has been set for the man accused of murdering an elderly St. Albert couple more than four years ago.
The trial for Travis Vader is scheduled to start on March 7, 2016 and last for one month.
Vader is facing two charges of first degree murder in connection to the 2010 deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann who were on their way to visit family in B.C. at the time of their disappearance. Their burnt out motorhome was found west of Edmonton but their bodies have never been recovered.
The charges were re-introduced last month after the crown re-activated charges against Vader which had been stayed in March 2014.
READ MORE: Charges stayed against Travis Vader in McCann murders
Details haven’t been made public about what has changed in the case. The law says charges can be re-activated within a year, but only if there is significant evidence.
“I don’t know of any new evidence,” said Vader’s lawyer Brian Beresh, “none has been provided to me. I’m led to believe there is no new evidence.”
“We’re very concerned.
“When someone’s trial is delayed — despite the public belief that people don’t want their day of justice, Mr. Vader does — and if this delay infringes on his right to a fair trial, that will certainly be an issue we’re going to raise and ask for the appropriate remedy… which could be a judicial stay of proceedings.”
READ MORE: ‘It appears that the police rushed to a judgement’: Vader’s lawyer
Vader was released on $25,000 bail and has remained under house arrest.