Another trial date has been set in a murder case that's been in the courts for years.

Douglas Hales, 35, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Daleen Bosse. The mother and university student went missing in 2004 and her remains were discovered in a wooded area north of Saskatoon in 2008.

The trial for Hales has been scheduled for May 2014.

Hales was arrested shortly after Bosse's remains were found and has been in custody ever since. Earlier this year he dismissed his lawyer – the sixth lawyer to represent him – and his new lawyer needed time to work on the case.

The Crown prosecutor says it looks as if the case will proceed.

“His lordship indicated the trial will be proceeding on that date, so at least we have that to look forward to,” Robin Ritter said outside of court. “It’s been a very long time.”

Hales has elected to be tried by judge alone.