The trial for the man accused of abducting and killing a University of Vermont student last fall has been moved up.
Lawyers told a judge that the trial could start by the end of the year.
During a status conference Friday, defense lawyers representing Brian Rooney said they planned to file a request to dismiss Rooney’s statements to police and may also challenge the admissibility of certain evidence.
The lawyers say police violated Rooney’s rights while interviewing him.
Rooney is charged with aggravated murder in the death of 21-year-old U-V-M senior Michelle Gardner-Quinn.
He is also facing unrelated aggravated sexual assault charges against a former girlfriend.
The 36-year-old Richmond man is still being held without bail.