The two men accused of helping James Roszko will stand trial for first-degree murder charges after the shooting deaths of four Mounties more than three years ago, a judge ruled Friday.
Dennis Cheeseman, 23, and Shawn Hennessey, 28, are both charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Consts. Peter Schiemann, Anthony Gordon, Brock Myrol and Leo Johnston.
The four Mounties were shot dead by James Roszko on March 3, 2005, as they were guarding a Quonset hut on his Mayerthorpe property.
The tragedy was one of the darkest days in the history of the RCMP as the worst single-day loss of life in more than century.
RCMP reports have not connected either Hennessey or Cheeseman to being in Roszko's Quonset hut at the time of the shootings.
Little is known about why Hennessey and Cheeseman were arrested and what they are believed to have done in connection with the murders.
Police have remained tight-lipped about their role, other than to allege they were somehow involved.
The RCMP said on July 8, 2007, the men were arrested as the result of a lengthy undercover investigation.
It is hoped the trial will shed light on a number of mysteries that still surrounding the Mayerthorpe tragedy.
The question remains about whether Roszko received assistance in returning to the farm where he ambushed the officers.
The previous day, he was seen fleeing the farm in his truck. That vehicle was later found 24 kilometres away from his property.
Crown prosecutor David Labrenz said last month the two men are jointly charged so they will stand trial together.
Cheeseman was granted bail before the preliminary trial began in May. He agreed in an Edmonton court to pay $10,000 in cash while family members put up a $245,000 surety.
Hennessey was granted bail in April on strict conditions and after providing a surety of at least $500,000.
