POLSON - The district court omnibus hearing for murder suspect Makueeyapee Whitford has been continued again, with Whitford's attorney Steven Eschenbacher requesting a six-week continuance in a brief court appearance Thursday. Eschenbacher indicated that the request is motivated by "outstanding discovery motions" that are still being processed.

The motion was granted by Judge Kim Christopher, who penciled Whitford in for an omnibus hearing on Dec. 4.

Christopher noted that setting a new targeted trial date and other matters will likely fall to the new district court judge appointee, who has yet to be determined by the state. Had the continuance not been requested, Whitford could have had a trial commence as early as Dec. 2.

Whitford is charged with the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Polson resident John Pierre at a party held in March.