Court appearance for suspect in disappearance, murder of grandparents and boy

CALGARY – A man charged in the disappearance and murder of a five-year-old boy and his grandparents has made a brief court appearance.

Douglas Garland appeared via closed circuit TV in a Calgary court, where the case was adjourned until Sept. 17.

Nathan O'Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathy Liknes (LIHK'-ness) disappeared June 29.

A hard drive with evidence is to be provided to the defence next week.

The Crown expects a three-week preliminary hearing will be scheduled for between six and eight months from now.

Cherri Hodgins, a friend of Kathy Liknes, said outside court that the family is shattered.