COVINGTON, Ga. – The case of the two parents accused of murdering their 15-day-old daughter is ready for trial, after a motion/status hearing Thursday, May 24 in the Newton County Judicial Center.

Christopher Michael McNabb, the father, is charged with eight counts including malice murder, two counts felony murder, murder in the second degree and aggravated battery, cruelty to children in the first degree, cruelty to children in the second degree and concealing death of another. Cortney Marie Bell, the mother, is charged with murder in the second degree, cruelty to children and deprivation of a minor.

Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney Layla Zon, Alcovy Judicial Circuit Public Defender Anthony Carter, representing McNabb, and Attorney Bryan H. Frost, representing Bell, all declared ready for trial after a failed Jackson Denno hearing by Carter on McNabb’s behalf.

A Jackson Denno hearing is a hearing to determine if a statement made by a defendant will be admitted into the trial. 

Alcovy Judicial Circuit Chief Judge John M. Ott said the case could be tentatively scheduled for August, pending courtroom availability.