Portland light-rail stabbing trial set for June 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The trial of the man accused of fatally stabbing two passengers on a Portland light-rail train won’t start for more than a year.

Court records released Monday indicate Jeremy Christian’s trial is scheduled to begin June 24, 2019, and last up to five weeks. Hearings on motions are set for October 2018.

Christian has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and other crimes.

Authorities say he stabbed the two men in the neck – and seriously wounded a third – as the train stopped at a station May 26. Police and prosecutors say Christian yelled hateful comments before the stabbings, focusing on two black teenage girls, one of whom was wearing an Islamic head covering called a hijab.