EDSON – Accused killer Travis Edward Vader’s case was adjourned for three weeks so counsel can complete a pre-trial conference.
Vader, 40, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the slayings of St. Albert couple Lyle and Marie McCann, who disappeared more than two years ago.
Neither Vader nor his defence lawyer Anna Konye appeared in Edson Provincial Court Tuesday.
A date for a preliminary inquiry was expected Tuesday. However, lawyer Marvin Braun, who was acting on behalf of Konye, set the proceedings over to Oct. 23 in Edson.
Vader was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on April 18 – nearly two years after police first named him as a suspect in the slayings.
He made his first appearance on the charges on May 15, but has since reserved plea. The case has been put off several times since that appearance.
Lyle McCann, 78, and Marie McCann, 77, were last seen alive on July 3, 2010 as they departed St. Albert in their motor home to visit family in British Columbia.
The pair failed to arrive at their destination and two days after their departure, the burnt-out shell of their motor home was found near Minnow Lake campground outside of Edson. Their SUV, which was being towed behind the motor home, was found a few weeks later.
Police believe the McCanns were killed July 3, 2010 near Peers, Alta., which is roughly 40 kilometres east of Edson.
Vader has been in police custody since July 19, 2010 on a number of other charges and remains in custody without bail in connection with the murders.
