Trial date set for men accused of killing Wesley Hallam

The trial for the three men charged in the killing of Wesley Hallam five years ago will begin in mid-October and is expected to continue until the end of January 2017.

Ronald Mitchell, Eric Mearow and Dylan Jocko are charged with first-degree murder in the 29-year-old man's death in January 2011.

The date for their trial, which begins October 17, was set this week in the Superior Court of Justice at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse. 

Local lawyer Bruce Willson, who represents Jocko, said Friday that a large amount of time is required because the trial involves three accused facing very serious charges, three defence counsel and a couple of Crown attorneys, as well as lot of witnesses. 

"With that many people selecting a jury may take three or four days," he said.

Pre-trial motions are scheduled to be heard June 22 to 30 and August 22 to September 9.

Hallam's decapitated and dismembered remains were found on January 11, 2011 near a creek on Landslide Road in the city's north end. 

City police reported he was killed during a house party on Wellington Street East between Jan. 7 and 11.

The three accused also are charged with being a party to indecently interfering with Hallam's remains and dismembering his body.