A 2021 murder case is now expected to go to trial sometime next year. On Monday, Judge Maria Cenzon held a lengthy status hearing in the Superior Court of Guam for Nicholas Moore — who’s facing murder and aggravated murder charges in the October 2020 death of Michael Castro. 

The hearing focused on the availability of Moore’s lead attorney, David Lujan, who has been off-island receiving medical care. His co-counsel, Michael Phillips, told the court they’ll know more about Lujan’s condition and readiness once he returns in about a week and a half.

Although Judge Cenzon pushed to have the trial start before the end of the year, several issues — including evidence access, juror holiday schedules, and counsel availability — led her to vacate the jury selection that had already begun last month.

A new jury selection and trial date are expected to be set at a follow-up hearing in the coming weeks.