Michigan Man Heading To Trial In Deaths Of 3 Found In Burned-Out Car

MANISTIQUE, Mich. (AP) - A 47-year-old man is heading to trial in the deaths of three people whose bodies were found in a burned-out car in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Daily Press of Escanaba reports Garry Cordell was found competent for trial and a hearing was held Monday to determine whether there was enough evidence to send the case to trial.

The Manistique man is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful imprisonment.

The court heard testimony from 46-year-old Kenneth Brunke, a former co-defendant who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and lying to a peace officer.

The bodies of 31-year-old Carrie Nelson, 25-year-old Heather Aldrich and 42-year-old Jody Hutchinson were found April 17 in Doyle Township, 70 miles southeast of Marquette.

Police have said the motive appears to be drug-related.