Yellowknife (Dec 01/04) - The first degree murder trial of two Yellowknife men has been postponed until May, nearly two years after the pair were first arrested in connection with the slaying of a reputed drug dealer.

Gerald Delorme and Francis Yukon were originally scheduled to stand trial last week, but the date was pushed back after one of the men was forced to change lawyers.

"The Crown's position was to go forward as soon as possible," said Crown attorney Noel Sinclair of a Nov. 8 teleconference between lawyers for the two men and a Supreme Court Judge.

"But we recognize the change of counsel created a problem."

The details of the teleconference and facts surrounding the case generally are subject to a publication ban because prosecutors don't want aspects of one part of the case to interfere with jury selection for subsequent prosecutions.

The charred remains of Justin Hai Van Vo were discovered near the Yellowknife River Bridge on June 16, 2003.

Two other men, Dale Coutoreille and Richard Tutin, pleaded guilty to accessory to murder charges earlier this year in connection with the killing.

Coutoreille was sentenced to three years and prison and Tutin three and half. Both were given 18 months credit for the time they spent in pre-trial custody.

A hearing is set in early February where lawyers are expected to argue over the admissibility of evidence. Three days are set aside in March for last-minute motions.

Yukon and Delorme, who are being prosecuted together, are scheduled to stand trial May 2. The case is expected to last more than a month.