by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Next month's trial date for 20-year-old Keith Garrido has been vacated and the defense is looking to resolve the case without going to trial. Garrido is being held on a half-million dollars cash bail for the brutal murder of 63-year-old Nancy Mafnas.

According to news files, Garrido allegedly broke into the woman's home and was gathering items to steal when Mafnas arrived home and caught him by surprise. Garrido allegedly beat her with a metal pipe and left her to die and fled with eight dollars and her car.

At today's hearing, Judge Anita Sukola vacated the trial date and set a motions hearing for September 16. The defense has filed a motion for the appointment of an independent fingerprint expert as well as a motion to compel discovery.

Garrido's defense attorney told the court they are looking to resolve the matter without going to trial.