TUCSON, Ariz. — Christopher Clements was in Pima County Superior Court Monday for charges related to the deaths of two young girls in Tucson.
The appearance was a status conference, where a judge can determine how the case is progressing and resolve pending issues.
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Clements is facing charges for the deaths of 6-year-old Isabel Celis and 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez, and their kidnappings.
Both the prosecution and defense asked to not begin the trial next year, in 2020. The judge set the trial to begin on Feb. 23, 2021.
The trial is estimated to last nine weeks. The prosecution is estimating there are 80 witnesses to interview beforehand.
RELATED: Isabel Celis, Maribel Gonzalez murder suspect may have more victims
Clements was already locked up in Maricopa County on unrelated burglary charges when Tucson Police arrested and charged him for the murders.
TPD Chief Christopher Magnus said in 2017, the FBI told police Clements had information about Isabel Celis. They found her remains near Avra Valley and Trico Roads, very near where the remains of Maribel Gonzales were found in 2014.
The next hearing is on January 13, 2020 for a status conference. Clements was given leave to petition the court not to be transported to Pima County.
RELATED: Isabel Celis Timeline: From disappearance togrimdiscovery
