Katie Kenyon, a mother of two, was murdered, but the accused has pled not guilty.
At today’s Preston Crown Court pre-trial hearing, 50-year-old Andrew Burfield was present.
When the murder accusation was read to Burfield by the court clerk, he simply spoke to confirm his identity and to register a not guilty plea.
Katie, 33, a resident of Padiham, Lancashire, was last seen boarding a Ford Transit van and leaving a Burnley house on April 22.
In an effort to find her, her family begged desperately for her safe return, and authorities began a thorough inquiry.
In the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, where Katie’s corpse was found a week after she vanished, specialised teams conducted in-depth searches.
She had suffered head injuries, according to the autopsy.
The remaining 20 minutes of today’s court session were spent discussing legal issues that cannot be disclosed.
From the audience gallery, many members of Katie’s family observed the events.
On November 4, Burfield will return to the same court for a pre-trial review hearing.
His trial has been scheduled for November 15 and will last two to three weeks.
Following the discovery of Katie’s remains, her family described their “heart-breaking nightmare.”
Her sister Jenny Kenyon praised her as a “wonderful big sister” and vowed to always adore her.
In honour of Katie, a JustGiving page has collected more than £27,000 so far.