Murder suspect Stephen McKinney being escorted into Omagh court in December last year morning. (North West Newspix)
Stephen McKinney (42) was charged with the murder of Lu Na after her body as recovered from Lough Erne, near Devenish Island in Co Fermanagh in April 2017.
Issues have been raised with the evidence of certain experts, as disclosed by defence lawyers during a scheduled committal hearing at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, the Belfast Telegraph reports.
A defencelawyer said having reviewed the case papers – of which there are 2,500 pages – and on consulting with McKinney, a decision had been taken to seek an adjournment.
A prosecuting lawyer said on the basis of what had been discussed, the next stage would be a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
This will require a district judge to be allocated to read the case papers. However, the defence said they did not feel a full PI was required, as the issues are limited to the evidence of certain experts and what they say.
Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne remanded McKinney on continuing bail and ordered him to appear again later this month when a date for the hearing will then be allocated.
McKinney, who is originally from Strabane but had been residing in Lifford, was remanded on bail to an address at Castletown Square, Fintona, Co Fermanagh.
He is accused of murdering his wife Lu Na (aged 35), on a date between April 11 and 14, 2017.
Donegal mum of two Lu Na McKinney who police say was murdered. Her husband Stephen has been charged with murdering her
A murder inquiry was launched after police obtained statements from marina staff, expert witnesses, work colleagues of the deceased and telecommunications evidence. McKinney was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
