Judge sets Feb. 24 trial for Cleveland double-murder suspect charged in slayings years ago
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Feb. 24 trial has been scheduled for a convicted sex offender charged with two murders and 173 counts of rape in Cleveland.
The judge set the date Monday for 49-year-old Elias Acevedo (ah-seh-VAY'-doh) over the objections of defense attorneys who asked for more preparation time.
Judge Michael Donnelly says he would consider delaying the trial if the defense shows sufficient reason.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Acevedo, who appeared in court with his ankles and wrists in manacles, has pleaded not guilty. The murder charges involve the deaths of a neighbor in 1994 and another woman in 1995.
Prosecutor Blaise Thomas, responding to a question from the judge, says a videotaped statement by the defendant includes an admission. The prosecutor didn't elaborate and wouldn't say after court if the admission amounted to a confession.