The man accused of murdering a 14-year-old Tasmanian girl could face trial as early as September, with around 50 witnesses expected to give evidence over four weeks.
Christopher Mark Jordan, 39, appeared via video link from Risdon Prison in the Supreme Court in Launceston on Friday.
Jordan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, who vanished from Henry Street in Launceston on April 30, 2023.
The Burnie girl’s remains were found nearly three months later at a bush block near Nabowla, about 16 kilometres west of Scottsdale.
Jordan was arrested the following day.
Prosecutors told the court the trial could proceed in September, but Associate Justice Michael Daly questioned whether that timeline was realistic, suggesting 2027 may be more likely.
The court also considered whether a second courtroom could be used to manage other criminal matters during the lengthy proceedings.
The case will return to court on March 20 for further directions.
Jordan remains in custody.
