Tucson News NowJudge sets target date for Loughner trial

Judge sets target date for Loughner trial

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PHOENIX (AP) - A federal judge says trial for the man charged with shooting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 18 others in Tucson last month should begin no later than Sept. 20.

Judge Larry Burns issued an order Thursday saying he is basing that date on federal prosecutors' statements. The U.S. attorney office in Arizona has said they will issue a final indictment against 22-year-old Jared Loughner by March 9.

Loughner is charged with trying to assassinate Giffords and attempting to kill two of her aides on Jan. 8. A new indictment is expected to also charge him with the murders of U.S. District Judge John Roll and Giffords aide Gabe Zimmerman. Loughner has pleaded not guilty.

State charges are also likely. Four others died and 10 others were shot outside a grocery store.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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