An Elkhart man accused of killing his roommate and hiding the body inside a Christmas tree box will return to court again before his scheduled August trial. 

Jose Ortiz Diaz is charged with murder in the death of 44-year-old Margarito Estrada Hernandez.

The Goshen News says police discovered the victim’s partially decomposed body inside a wrapped Christmas tree box during a second search of the home on Village Lane in April.

Investigators say Ortiz Diaz admitted to stabbing Hernandez following an argument that turned physical.

During a court hearing Thursday, defense attorneys told the judge they may not be ready for the Aug. 6 trial, prompting another status hearing on July 9.