Murder trial of Jeb Daly of Huntington may begin in August

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - A western Massachusetts man accused of beating and strangling his girlfriend to death and putting her body in a cardboard box could face trial in August.

Prosecutors say 36-year-old Jeb Daly of Huntington killed 30-year-old girlfriend Jessica Dana in June following an argument over money and his cocaine use.

Her body was discovered in a cardboard box behind the couple's home.

Daly has been held since pleading not guilty to charges of murder and misleading authorities.

Dana was a mother of three. Two of the children were fathered by Daly.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that a hearing to determine if Daly will be compelled to turn over DNA evidence is scheduled for Jan. 15.