The trial, originally set for November 2024, was postponed until June, but in a Friday morning hearing, Superior Court Judge Jamie Woods set new trial dates for Dec. 9 and 10, and 11 if necessary.

The two-day trial will begin at 8:30 a.m. Each morning in the St. Joseph County Superior Courthouse in Mishawaka.

The final pre-trial conference is set for Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 a.m.

Judge Woods stated he would have rulings on all matters by March 27, 2026.

"Based upon the parties' representations, the court's not ordering this matter back to mediation," Woods said, "but the court strongly encourages the parties to explore any and all possibilities of resolving this matter before trial."