Rankin Inlet (Sep 08/04) - While lawyers await "additional critical information," the trial involving the murder of a Rankin Inlet woman this past April is moving forward.

Adrian VanEindhoven, 30, of Rankin Inlet, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of his common-law partner, 22-year-old Leanne Irkotee.

Alcohol was believed to have played a role in the incident.

A focusing hearing date has tentatively been set for late September, but the court was still waiting for information in the case against VanEindhoven as of Aug. 31.

While the defence termed the information "critical," the defence nor the Crown would comment on what exactly the information was.

Because of the missing information, a preliminary hearing date of Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. in Rankin Inlet is only tentative.

VanEindhoven is also charged with one count each of assault, uttering threats, and assault with a weapon.

He did not attend court in Iqaluit last week.