Prues to face separate trials in murder of Melissa Jenkins - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) - Lawyers in the case of a Vermont couple charged with killing a prep school teacher and dumping her body in the Connecticut River are planning for separate trials next year.

Allen and Patricia Prue are accused of strangling and beating 33-year-old Melissa Jenkins after luring her out of her house with a ruse about a broken down car in March.

Police say the Waterford couple planned the crime.

Lawyers in a St. Johnsbury courtroom on Friday said they would be ready for trial in Allen Prue's case in July. He is charged with first-degree murder.

Lawyers expect to be ready for trial in Patricia Prue's case in May. She is charged with aggravated murder.

Both have pleaded not guilty.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Stories:

Police collect letters written between Prues

Patricia Prue wants murder trial moved

Charges upgraded against alleged killers of Melissa Jenkins

Melissa Jenkins receives posthumous degree

Emotional plea to help Melissa Jenkins' son

Vt. judge: Patricia Prue must provide DNA

Suspects in Melissa Jenkins death waive bail hearing

Divers search river in Melissa Jenkins case

Grief educator helps folks mourning Melissa Jenkins' death

Documents say Melissa Jenkins suffered severe beating

Donations pour in for murder victim Melissa Jenkins' son

Vt. AG to meet with prosecutor in Melissa Jenkins death

Memorial service held for Melissa Jenkins

President offers condolences to loved ones of Melissa Jenkins

Vermont goes pink for Melissa Jenkins

Did murder suspect Allen Prue target a teen online?

Memorial planned for Melissa Jenkins

Family, neighbors react to Jenkins' death and arrests

Waterford couple pleads not guilty in Melissa Jenkins murder

Suspect's family says police have wrong man

Trust to benefit Melissa Jenkins' son

Candlelight Vigil to remember Melissa Jenkins

Vt teacher's death ruled a homicide

Honoring the memory of Melissa Jenkins

Family and friends grieve for Melissa Jenkins

Police: Body discovered in Barnet believed to be Jenkins

Neighbors call Jenkins a loving mother