Naresh Bhatt, the Virginia man who is chief suspect in his wife's disappearance, is due back in court later this week, after a judge granted his motion for a speedy trial.
Although Bhatt, 37, has not been formally charged with murder, he has been charged with concealing a dead body in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of his 28-year-old wife Mamta Bhatt, according to police.
Police are operating under the assumption the victim was killed after forensic evidence indicated Mamta's body was dragged out of the Manassas Park, Virginia, home she shared with her husband and their 1-year-old daughter, WTTG-TV previously reported, citing court documents.
Mamta was last seen alive in late July.
Bhatt will appear for a motion hearing Friday, one week after a judge authorized his request for a speedy trial, allowing the defense to bypass a grand jury and swiftly laying the foundation for litigation to begin within five months.
Prosecutors argued against a speedy trial, stating it would be a challenge to have their case ready to go in that amount of time, but loved ones said they have faith justice will prevail.
"I have no doubt that the Commonwealth is putting together a very strong case," Mamta's co-worker, Holly Wirth, told reporters Thursday, according to WRC-TV. "Mr. Bhatt thinks he's smart, but I can guarantee you the weight of justice is leaning hard on him and we are going to see this come to fruition."
Bhatt remains held without bail. A motive remains under investigation.
Speaking with WUSA-TV before his arrest last month, Bhatt claimed he was in distress over Mamta's disappearance.
"I'm the one who is suffering. She is my baby's mom. She is my wife," he previously told the station.
