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A judge in the state Capitol has moved up the murder-for-hire trial for one of two men accused in the slaying of an FSU law professor. The judge also agreed to try the two men separately. Prosecutors had sought to use two juries but present the evidence just once. Luis Rivera, who is currently serving time in a Federal prison on unrelated charges will now stand trial beginning October 24th, three weeks before his co-defendant. Defense Attorney Charles Collins said making a jury wait weeks after selection was not in his clients best interests.

“In a case of this magnitude, people are obviously looking to point the finger at someone. I believe that by separating them, it will give us the best opportunity to present the case that we plan to and put my client in the best position possible” said Collins.

Volumes of evidence have yet to be turned over to the defense. Rivera’s lawyer has yet to decide if his client will take the stand.