Alleged Winnipeg serial killer Jeremy Skibicki's case will go straight to trial, without preliminary hearing

The case of a Winnipeg man accused of killing three First Nations women and a fourth unidentified woman will go directly to trial, without a preliminary hearing.

Jeremy Skibicki is facing four first-degree murder charges for the deaths ofMarcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, Rebecca Contoisand an unidentified fourth woman, whopolice believe was an Indigenous woman in her 20s.

He appeared in court on Friday, a day after police announced he had been charged in connection with the deaths of Myran, Harris and the unidentified woman.

He had been arrested and charged in connection with Contois's death in May.

The Crown said it plans to proceed by direct indictment with a murder trial, which means there will be no preliminary hearing to first consider whether there is enough evidence. Skibicki remains in custody.

Skibicki's lawyer, Leonard Tailleur,says his client will plead not guilty on all counts.

About a dozen family and friends of Contois sat in court Friday,several wearing T-shirts bearing the image ofher face and the words"Justice for Rebecca."

Skibickiappeared in court in person with a shaved head, grey goatee with his hands and feet shackled.

He said nothing aside from confirming his name to the judge.

The next court dateis set forJan. 13, 2023.