Alleged Ashburton Work and Income double killer Russell John Tully made a brief court appearance today ahead of a proposed trial date in May.
Homeless man Tully, 48, has been charged with murdering Work and Income front-counter workers Peggy Turuhira Noble, 67, and Susan Leigh Cleveland, 55, on September 1 last year.
He is also accused of attempting to murder two other staff members - Lindy Louise Curtis, 43, who was shot in the leg and badly injured, and Kim Elizabeth Adams.
Tully faces charges of murder and attempted murder, and other charges that include theft, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and setting a man trap.
At a pre-trial callover this morning in the High Court at Christchurch, defence counsel Tony Greig confirmed that he would be prepared for a trial starting on May 11 this year.
