Details about the alleged murder of Gordon Seybold will be revealed in open court this week, as the preliminary hearing into the charges against Norman Eli Larue and Christina Asp began this morning.

Seybold's body was found in the charred remains of his Ibex Valley home in March 2008. The 63-year-old's death was considered suspicious, but no suspects were publicly named at the time.

Eli and Larue were arrested in Strathmore, Alta. on Aug. 4, 2009 and charged with first-degree murder. Larue is also accused of arson in relation to Seybold's death.

Speaking to the Star last January, Nils Clark, head of Yukon Legal Services, said the trial will be a "budget-crusher” for the territory's legal aid fund, which is paying for the defence.

Prosecutor David McWhinnie reiterated that last week, saying a trial which could stretch to months would strain the Yukon's justice resources.

A preliminary hearing is an opportunity for defence counsel to hear what evidence the prosecution intends to call against the accused.

This week's hearing is scheduled for longer than normal because Asp and Larue are being defended separately, and each defence lawyer has a right to cross-examine every Crown witness.

At the end of the hearing, the presiding judge will decide if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.

Generally, cases which get this far, do go to trial.

All the evidence at a preliminary hearing is automatically under a publication ban, although the courtroom is still open to the public.

Witnesses may be identified, but nothing they say on the stand can be reported.