The man accused of three high-profile murders in Alexandria, Virginia, will go on trial in October 2015.
Judge Jane Roush set a trial date of Oct. 5, 2015 for Charles Severance during a pre-trial hearing Thursday morning. A jury trial is being sought, News4's Northern Virginia Bureau chief Julie Carey reported.
In addition to setting a trial date, Judge Roush will allow one still camera at pretrial proceedings; she will decide later on allowing a video camera at trial.
Roush decided not to rule on a defense request to allow Severance to meet with his attorneys without handcuffs. She says that decision will be up to the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Defense for accused killer Charles #Severance seeking funds to hire outside investigators. Judge approves cap of $30,000 for 2 investigators — Julie Carey (@JulieCareyNBC) October 23, 2014
Severance has been charged the 2003 slaying of Nancy Dunning, wife of then-Sheriff James Dunning; the November 2013 shooting of transportation planner Ronald Kirby; and the February shooting of music teacher Ruthanne Lodato.
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All three were high-profile members of the community, gunned down at their front doors.
#Severance defense asks Judge to bar photos of defendant during pre-trial hearings. Judge suggests he wear street clothes @nbcwashington — Julie Carey (@JulieCareyNBC) October 23, 2014
The Lodato and Kirby slayings carry a potential death sentence, but prosecutors have indicated they won't seek Severance's execution.
Judge Roush is best known for presiding over the trial of convicted D.C. sniper Lee Boyd Malvo.
