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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A trial date has been set for Emrah Bulatci, who is accused of killing RCMP Const. Christopher Worden.

The judge and jury trial for the charge of first-degree murder will take place in Yellowknife's Supreme Court of the NWT starting Oct. 13, 2009.

According to Crown prosecutor Christine Gagnon, Bulatci's trial will not be in Hay River, where the incident occurred, out of fairness to the accused.

"The Crown conceded that the defence would not be able to pick a jury that was impartial," said Gagnon, because of "the size of the community and the impact it had on the community."

Bulatci is charged with the shooting death of Worden in Hay River on Oct. 6, 2007.

She said there were not many other details that could be provided at this time as to how the case will proceed since the trial date is 10 months away.

"Right now we're still at the stage of pre-trial conferences," said Gagnon.

As to whether special sittings, which could address a variety of issues relating to the case, will be held in Hay River, Gagnon said none are planned as of yet but things could change. "Nothing is set in stone," said Gagnon.

In addition to the trial there are also two voir dire hearings scheduled for March 10 and Sept. 8, 2009, also to be held in Yellowknife.

A "voir dire" is the process of questioning prospective jurors to determine if they are suitable and competent enough to be part of the jury.

In addition to the charge of first-degree murder, Bulatci is also facing three counts of obstructing justice stemming from last fall while he was in jail.

A date for that trial is scheduled to be set on Dec. 12.