Yesterday, we aired our report on the horrifying murders of young Channon Christian and Chris Newsom in Knoxville, Tennessee. Despite a virtual MSM blackout, the case has reverberated with blog readers and videoblog viewers across the country. I’ll continue to follow news developments here and at Hot Air.

This morning, a Knox County judge set trial dates for the murder suspects (hat tip: Clayton J.):

A Knox County judge has set a trial date for the four people suspected of carjacking and killing a Knoxville couple earlier this year.

Letalvis Cobbins, Vanessa Coleman, George Coleman and Lemaricus Davidson each have a trial date set for the middle of next year.

The families of both Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom were in court for today’s hearing.

Cobbins will be the first to be tried in a Knox County court, his trial has been set for May 12, 2008. Davidson will be tried on May 19, 2008, and Coleman will be tried on June 16, 2008. George Thomas will be tried on August 11, 2008.

All four are facing more than 40 charges, including first degree murder, kidnapping and rape.

No decision yet on whether the death penalty will be pursued. WVLT-TV has extended coverage. Stay tuned.

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