The trial date for the teenager accused of killing 6-year-old Grace Ross is set for early next year. Ross was found dead in a wooded area in New Carlisle in March of last year.

Anthony Hutchens led authorities to the body after telling them a shadowy figure made him strangle the girl.

The case was waived to adult court earlier this year.

Hutchens was in court, late last week, for the status hearing in which the bench trial date was set for Jan. 23.