ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, September 11, 1996          TAG: 9609130061
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-2  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI

TRIAL DATE SET IN DEATHS OF VINTON FAMILY

The trial date for Earl Bramblett, who is charged with killing a Vinton couple and their two daughters, has been set for Feb. 18.

During a hearing Tuesday in Roanoke County Circuit Court, Bramblett waived his right to a speedy trial, allowing his lawyers more time to prepare for the case. Unless he waives that right, a defendant must be tried within five months of his arrest.

Bramblett, 54, was arrested in July after a grand jury indicted him on charges of capital murder, first-degree murder, arson and use of a firearm. He has remained in jail since that time.

He is charged in connection with the killings of Blaine and Teresa Hodges and their daughters, Winter and Anah, in August 1994. Teresa Hodges was strangled, the other three were shot, and their house was set on fire.

The trial is expected to take between three and four weeks.

LENGTH: Short :   30 lines
KEYWORDS: ROMUR