Bruce McArthur’s judicial pre-trial to start Nov. 30

The judicial pre-trial for alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur will begin at the end of this month, but it may be a year before the murder trial begins.

The 67-year-old landscaper, who is facing eight counts of first-degree murder, appeared in court on Monday where the judicial pre-trial date was set.

During the brief court appearance, the judge explained to McArthur what will happen next, including the judicial pre-trial which will begin November 30, and said that the earliest date for the trial would be September 2019.

While the judge spoke McArthur said nothing but nodded in response.

McArthur waived his right to a preliminary hearing during his last appearance on October 22, which meant the case would go directly to trial.

The remains of seven men were found buried in planters at a property in Leaside where McArthur provided landscaping services. The remains of an eighth possible victim were found in a ravine near the same property.

Many of the victims had ties to the city’s gay village in the Church and Wellesley streets area.

Lead detective Hank Idsinga says he doesn’t believe there are any more possible victims.

McArthur has been in custody at the Toronto South Detention Centre in Etobicoke since he was arrested on Jan. 18.