Garry Handlen’s trial to proceed without preliminary inquiry

The trial of a man accused in two historical homicides has been expedited.

Crown counsel has filed a direct indictment in the case against Garry Handlen.

That means the trial will proceed without a preliminary inquiry.

The 67-year old is charged in connection to the deaths of Kathryn-Mary Herbert and Monica Jack in the 1970s.

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Monica Jack was last seen riding her bike on May 6, 1978 near Nicola Lake. Her body was found in June 1995, north of Merritt.

Kathryn-Mary Herbert disappeared in 1975 while heading to her Abbotsford home. A few months later her body was found on Matsqui First Nations property.

Handlen was charged back in December after getting apprehended in Surrey.

His previous criminal history includes rape and assault convictions.

The case has been moved to BC Supreme Court.