I don't have a source as i saw it on the news (abc), they said the replacement charge is deprivation of liberty. I find this really odd, especially after looking this charge up, which apparently is only a misdemeanor and it only carries a 3 year term. I'm assuming there's no evidence that VS sexually assaulted SS at all. But why go from aggravated sexual assault (rape plus some), to something that barely raises an eyebrow in comparison. The sexual assault charge imo was the big 'motive' for someone with no criminal record suddenly turning to murder.
I also find it strange that VS opted to enter no plea, and there is no psychiatric assessment, and the option for one before trial has been rejected.
These 2 anomalies, (as far as i've read and sleuthed) have no criminal records, no 'real' (non-anecdotal) history of violence or aggression, actually VS's neighbours seemed to give him a glowing character reference, bypassed every crime in the book and went straight to murder, and the other an accessory after the fact. *scratching my head*
It was also mentioned that MS is a lot larger than VS, so those eyewitness accounts may leave a bit to be desired too. So neither have a history of violence or even a minor criminal record, VS was so non-descript in a small country town that he went undetected despite having 3 (?!) cleaning jobs, there is now no motive and VS isn't saying anything and no psyc assessment has been or will be done. My concern is that they may actually botch this case!