Fred Cooper, accused of killing a Gateway couple shortly after Christmas last year, is scheduled to go on trial April 24 but prosecutors said this morning that likely won't happen.
Cooper, 27, of Bonita Springs, faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed burglary in the deaths of Steven and Michelle Andrews both 28 in the highly publicized case.
Deputies found the bodies of the couple shortly after 7 a.m. on Dec. 27 in their home at 12221 Eagle Pointe Drive in the Gateway neighborhood in southeast Lee County.
Their 2-year-old son, Luke, met a deputy at the door of the house, holding a portable phone that was still connected to a 911 operator.
This morning, state attortney officials said there is a "judge's docket sounding" scheduled for Thursday, when Cooper's trial date would be reviewed by the judge and attorneys assigned to several upcoming trials.
At that time, prosecutors said they suspect that Cooper's case likely will be moved back several months.The judge will ask attorneys on both sides if they're ready for trial.
Cooper is facing the death penalty if he's convicted of killing the Andrews couple.
He is being held without bond in Lee County Jail after pleading not guilty in February.
Last month, State Attorney Steve Russell announced he will seek the death penalty against Cooper.
Public defender Kenneth Garber, who is representing Cooper, declined comment this morning.
Autopsy results indicate Steven Andrews died of a gunshot wound, while Michelle Andrews was killed by blunt force trauma and suffocation, prosecutors said.
Sheriff's officials believe Cooper killed the couple because Steven Andrews was having an affair with Kellie Ballew, Cooper's longtime girlfriend. Cooper and Ballew, 26, have a young daughter.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/NEWS01/60412021/1075