After several delays, the second-degree murder case against Kurt Churchill has taken a significant step forward.

Dates were set this week for the preliminary inquiry to determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial on the murder charge.

A dispute over the amount of evidence provided to the defence had prevented setting dates for the inquiry.

But those issues were hashed out during a focus hearing in late November.

Churchill is accused in the July 2020 shooting death of James Cody on Craigmillar Avenue in St. John’s.

He was granted bail in early October but has been attending court to follow the developments in his case first-hand.

Aside from the murder charge, Churchill also faces numerous firearms offences in connection with the shooting.

Ten days have been set aside for the preliminary inquiry which is set to begin in June of next year.