Cold case murder trial delay. Here’s why.

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A judge postponed the cold case murder trial of Dwight Mills, accused of killing his wife decades ago, but perhaps the delay will not be long.

Mills, in his 70s, faces charges that after murdering his wife in Dothan, he loaded up Sharon Mill’s body, drove to Florida, and dumped it.

Houston County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stanley told Circuit Judge Henry D. “Butch” Binford that prosecutors are ready to go to trial.

However, defense attorney David Harrison said he could not review all the evidence because he had had trials in other counties.

Investigators believe Sharon Mills died on Christmas Eve 2001, though authorities did not locate her body until weeks later.

WATCH: Victim’s daughter speaks out

Previous reports indicate disagreements between Alabama and Florida authorities years ago about who should handle the case stalled a possible arrest.

Authorities charged Mills with murder and abuse of a corpse. He is free on an appearance bond while awaiting trial.

Binford ordered the trial rest at the earliest possible time.

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