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Accused triple murderer Douglas Garland’s trial to begin in 2017

Douglas Garland faces murder charges in connection with the disappearance of a Calgary family. Global News

CALGARY – The trial for accused triple murderer Douglas Garland is scheduled to begin on January 16, 2017.

Garland was ordered to stand trial in connection to the deaths of Kathryn and Alvin Liknes and their grandson Nathan O’Brien in May.

Nathan, Kathryn and Alvin disappeared from the Liknes’ home on June 30, 2014 while Nathan was sleeping over — hours after his grandparents held an estate sale.

Garland lives on an acreage northeast of Airdrie that was meticulously searched by police during their investigation into the trio’s disappearance. Despite this, their bodies were never found.

Garland, 55, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of the Liknes’ and one count of second-degree murder in the death of O’Brien. However, his charges were later upgraded to three counts of first-degree murder at the conclusion of his preliminary inquiry.

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His trial is scheduled to last five weeks.

READ MORE: Nathan O’Brien and grandparents remembered 1 year after disappearance

Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Kathy and Alvin Liknes are shown in Calgary Police Service handout photos.
Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents Kathy and Alvin Liknes are shown in Calgary Police Service handout photos.

Who is Douglas Garland?

Douglas Garland is no stranger to the Liknes family; Alvin Liknes’ son is married to Garland’s sister. However, a family member has said Liknes and Garland had a falling out several years ago over a business deal that ended badly.

TIMELINE: Missing Calgary family Nathan O’Brien, Alvin and Kathryn Liknes

 – With files from Jenna Freeman and Nancy Hixt

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