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Aug. 5 trial set in Pinckneyville murder

A trial is scheduled for this summer for a man charged in connection with the 2010 killing of a 15-year-old southern Illinois girl.

Chad Bennett's trial will be Aug. 5 in Perry County.

Bennett was charged in October with first-degree murder, home invasion and burglary in the death of Sidnee Stephens, who authorities say was shot and strangled before her body was found in a creek.

Three other people who carried out the killing are serving prison terms ranging from 37 to 60 years.

Bennett has pleaded not guilty.

A judge has said that while Bennett and a co-defendant may not have actually committed the crimes themselves, they were involved in planning or took part in the Pinckneyville girl's death.