Despite pushback from prosecutors, a Virginia judge granted Naresh Bhatt's motion for a speedy trial, allowing the defense to bypass a grand jury and swiftly laying the foundation for a trial to begin within five months.
Bhatt, 37, of Manassas Park, Virginia, has been charged with concealing a dead body in connection with the disappearance of his 28-year-old wife Mamta Bhatt, according to police.
Bhatt has not yet entered a plea to the charge and remains held without bond.
Mamta has been missing since July and investigators are working on the assumption that she is dead.
Prosecutors argued against a speedy trial, stating it would be a challenge to have their case ready to go in five months, but loved ones said they have faith justice will prevail.
"I have no doubt that the Commonwealth is putting together a very strong case," Mamta's co-worker, Holly Wirth, told reporters Thursday, according to WRC-TV. "Mr. Bhatt thinks he's smart, but I can guarantee you the weight of justice is leaning hard on him and we are going to see this come to fruition."
Bhatt was arrested in mid-August, three weeks after Mamta was last seen alive, following an initial search of the couple's home during which traces of blood were allegedly discovered by investigators.
Investigators said forensic evidence indicated Mamta's body was dragged out of the home she shared with her husband and their 1-year-old daughter, WTTG-TV previously reported, citing court documents.
During a court hearing in August, prosecutors alleged Bhatt probed the internet for an answer to the question: "How long does it take to get married after a spouse dies?" prior to Mamta's disappearance, according to the Washington Post.
A motive remains under investigation.
