Hearing Delayed in Case Against Apple Valley Man Accused of Murder

A Dakota County judge has granted a postponement of the contested omnibus hearing in the trial against Roger Earl Holland, the Apple Valley man accused of murdering his wife and unborn child last March. 

According to the Dakota County Attorney's Office, the hearing will now be held Sept. 18 and 19 at the county courthouse in Hastings. Both hearings - the second day is only if necessary - would begin at 9 a.m. 

An omnibus hearing is held to determine if a case is ready to go to trial. The defense can contest the hearing, stating there is not enough evidence presented by the prosecution to put the case in front of a judge and jury. The defense may also change its plea at the hearing, or change legal representation. 

Holland is accused of pushing his wife, Marjorie, down the stairs of their Apple Valley town home. She was 15 weeks pregnant. 

The couple both served in the Minnesota National Guard. Roger told police at the time of the incident he was "out picking up breakfast," according to a complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office. However, a suspicious Internet search, a scan of text messages on Roger's phone and evidence at the scene pointed to foul play and a relationship that was rocky and on the verge of ending. 

In fact, days before the incident, Marjorie Holland had texted her husband asking for a divorce. 

Roger Holland was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder back in March. In May, a grand jury convened at the request of Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom came back with two charges of first-degree, premeditated murder against Roger. 

Roger Holland remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Bail, with conditions is set at $1 million.