EDMONTON - A man charged in the disappearance of an Edmonton-area couple just over three years ago will go straight to trial.

Crown prosecutors have decided to skip a preliminary hearing for Travis Vader, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Michelle Davio, a spokeswoman for Alberta Justice, says after a careful review, the Crown decided it was in the public's interest to proceed by direct indictment.

It's expected that Vader will be arraigned at a court hearing next month.

Lyle and Marie McCann, of St. Albert, disappeared in July 2010 while heading to a family gathering in British Columbia.

A burnt-out motorhome belonging to the McCanns was found west of Edmonton two days after they were last seen, but their bodies have never been found.