Inuvik (Apr 10/06) - A new trial date has been set for the former Tuktoyaktuk RCMP constable accused of killing his brother and shooting his friend during a drunken party in 2003.

Jim Elias will appear at the Supreme Court in Inuvik on July 11 on charges of murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

The jury trial is expected to last 10 days. This is the second time Elias is to stand trial on the charges.

The first trial, held in Inuvik in May of 2005, ended in a hung jury after two days of deliberation.

Brian Elias sustained fatal gunshot wounds after being shot twice in the abdomen while at a party at Jim Elias' home. Another man sustained gunshot wounds to the left shoulder.

Last year's trial was to be held in Tuktoyaktuk. However, because an impartial jury could not be found, it was moved to Inuvik.

At the conclusion of last year's trial, Justice Paul Chrumka made an order that if a new trial was to be held, it must be in Yellowknife.

Loretta Colton, the Crown lawyer who prosecuted the case in 2005, said last week, however, the case will instead be held in Inuvik once again.

"We made an application in chambers for a change of venue," Colton said.

"The judge decided that it should be held in Inuvik."