2015-01-23 Travis Vader's trial date set for 2016 in McCann deaths | CBC News


Travis Vader is scheduled to go to trial in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann in March 2016.

Travis Vader is scheduled to go to trial in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann in March 2016. (CBC)

Travis Vader will be tried by judge and jury in a month-long trial starting Mar.7, 2016.

The trial date was set in an Edmonton courtroom Friday morning.

Vader, who is currently under house arrest, did not appear at the arraignment hearing.

He wasarrested in December 2014after the Crown decided to recommence murder charges against him inthe deaths of St. Albert, Alta., seniors Lyle and Marie McCann.

Vader's lawyer, Brian Beresh, said the one year wait worries him.

"If this delay infringes on his right to a fair trial, that will certainly be an issue we're going toraise and ask for the appropriate remedy."

First-degree murder charges against Vader were stayed in March 2014.

He was released from jail in October whenfound not guilty of unrelated theft, drug and firearm chargesafterfour years in custody.

The McCanns were last seen alive in July 2010 filling their motorhome at a gas station before leavingSt. Albert. The seniors were on their first day of a road trip to British Columbia.

Their burned-out motorhome was found two days later 200 kilometres west of the city in a remote area near Edson, Alta. Their bodies have never been found.