A judge has denied a series of motions from attorneys representing Christopher Edwards. Edwards is accused of the death of 19-year-old Jessica O'Grady.

O'Grady vanished in May and her body has not been found but prosecutors say they have a case against Edwards. Ms. O'Grady's boyfriend has been charged with Second-Degree Murder.

With the evidence collected from Edwards' home, including large amounts of what officials say is O'Grady's blood, investigators believe there is enough evidence for a conviction.

Douglas County Chief Deputy Marty Bilek says, "We feel like we have a very strong case. We have a suspect. We have a victim."

But Edwards' lawyer, Steve Lefler, says without knowing O'Grady's whereabouts he's not sure his client can receive a fair trial.

Lefler says, "Without the body how can we tell if the state's theory makes any sense. One -- she might still be alive. Number two -- how do we know how it happened."

O'Grady's loved ones say they too need to know what became of Jessica but for different reasons.

O'Grady's aunt, Shauna Stanzel, says, "Does it affect the legal proceedings? Yes it does. But that's not our primary focus. We want to find her so we can have closure as a family."

With a picture of her niece over her heart Shauna Stanzel stood outside the courtroom Friday asking for the family of the suspect to come forward with information.

"It's time for the family and friends of Chris Edwards to do the right thing and that's to let us know where she is at," Stanzel said.

A trial date has been set for December 4th. The judge told both sides Friday that there should be no reason for that trial date to be delayed.