A man is to stand trial charged with murdering his grandparents. Tobyn Salvatore allegedly attacked Denis and Mary Fell, both aged 73, at their home in Livingston, West Lothian, on Boxing Day last year.
Prosecutors first claim the 20-year-old killed Denis by repeatedly striking him on the head and body with a knife or knives. Salvatore is then accused of repeatedly stabbing Mary and severing her hand from her arm.
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The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, report the Record.
Salvatore's lawyer Victoria Young pled not guilty on his behalf to the two murder charges. Miss Young said defence enquiries were ongoing, but accepted a trial could be set.
Lord Beckett stated: "I have in mind to fix the eight-day trial for the High Court in Livingston starting July 4 next year."
Salvatore is set to be represented by senior counsel Donald Findlay KC. The judge said if a further hearing was needed, that could be arranged in due course.
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Officers were made aware of the couple's deaths around 11.40pm on December 26 last year, at their home in Raeburn Rigg in the town. A blue forensics tent was erected outside the front door of the end-terrace house while a large cordon was thrown up around the scene. Salvatore was 19 when he was arrested and charged by police.
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