ST. PAUL (AP) - A judge has delayed the murder trial of Jeffrey Trevino until mid-September.

Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro granted the delay so the defense can conduct its own independent analysis of the autopsy results. Trevino's trial had been due to start July 22. The judge set a new date of Sept. 16.

Castro also ruled Monday that the jury can hear - with some restrictions - from friends of Trevino's wife, Kira Steger. They say she talked to them about her crumbling marriage to Trevino in the days and weeks leading up to her disappearance in February. Her car was found at the Mall of America.

The 30-year-old's body was pulled from the Mississippi River May 8.

The 39-year-old Trevino has pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.

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