Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) -- A trial date has been set for three suspects accused of killing a couple from South Carolina who lived in the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

A judge said Tuesday that the trial will begin April 9, with a verdict likely in May.

Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, were found stabbed to death in their beachfront apartment in September. Police later arrested a Jamaican security guard, along with a 17-year-old from St. Maarten and a 20-year-old from Guyana.

Attorneys for the two younger suspects have requested a mental evaluation ahead of the trial. Prosecutors also say they are awaiting forensic evidence including DNA test results.

A procedural hearing will be held on Feb. 19 to address those issues.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)