Grand Jury Indicts Suspect In Lacrosse Murder Case

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WJZ) -- It appears the man accused of murdering Yeardley Love at the University of Virginia will head to trial. 

As Adam May reports, the case against George Huguely took another big step forward Monday.

George Huguely will go on trial next year for the murder of girlfriend Yeardley Love.  In a Virginia courtroom, his defense attorney argued he needed until February to gather more evidence and Huguely will waive his rights to a speedy trial.  The trial date has been set for Feb. 6.

Huguely was a lacrosse player at the University of Virginia, accused of killing the Cockeysville native after she broke off their relationship.  Last week during a detailed preliminary hearing---that lasted nine hours with 20 witnesses---Huguely's lacrosse teammates described him as "very drunk" and that he had "slurred speech" in the hours leading up to his altercation with Love.  It's a preview of his defense strategy.

"I think it gave the defense the opportunity to show there are two sides to every story.  This guy was intoxicated.  He wasn't trying to kill her," said Byron Warnken, legal expert.

Huguely told police he shook [Love] and her head repeatedly hit the wall, but he denied knowledge of her death.

"George Huguely only learned that Yeardley Love had died when he was told that by a detective," said defense attorney Rhonda Quagliana.

Huguely's defense says Love could have died from a fall.  They also claim she had Adderall in her system, a drug intended to treat attention deficit disorder but often misused by students to enhance studying.

If he's found guilty, he faces a maximum punishment of life in prison. 

Lawyers will be back in court Nov. 7 for motions.