January trial date set in killing of Pa. girl, 9

NORRISTOWN, Pa. – A January trial date is set for a man accused of raping and killing a 9-year-old suburban Philadelphia girl who was his neighbor.

Twenty-four-year-old James Lee Troutman has been charged in the May 9 slaying of Skyler Kauffman, of Souderton. Troutman was arraigned Wednesday in Montgomery County Court. He reiterated his not guilty plea before Judge William Carpenter, who scheduled trial for Jan. 9.

District Attorney Risa (REE'-sah) Ferman also filed court papers indicating that she would seek the death penalty against Troutman, who is charged with first- and second-degree murder, rape and other offenses. Skyler's body was found in a trash bin at the apartment building where they both lived.

Troutman's defense attorney says he expects the case to head to trial.