The trial of three men accused of murdering the McKinnon family on July 26th, 1979 is set to begin September 1st, in front of the Wizengamot as a whole. Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock, will preside over the trial. Orpheus Travers (20) was arrested shortly after the murders on charges of spousal abuse but further charges of murder were added once his wand was connected to spell residue left at the scene of the gruesome attack. Aland Avery (24) and Marcus Edgecombe (28) were arrested later, after evidence revealed them to be participants. They're each additionally charged with sedition and treason, accused of being supporters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, informally known as Death eaters.

Barristers for the accused have pushed for separate trials, but the Wizengamot has denied these motions and contends that the three will be tried together, in order for justice to be found swiftly. "There is no need to force the Jugson family and friends of the McKinnons to suffer through three separate re-tellings of this disgusting disregard of human life," says the lead prosecutor, who originally suggested that the accused be put on trial immediately after the arrests.

It is the opinion of Maeve Riley, a long time law-witch and expert in trial practice, that the prosecution will be focusing on Avery and his ties to the McKinnon family. Avery has close ties to Erin Jugson (21), sister of the late Deidra McKinnon and it seems apparent that Avery, acting under the guise of being a Death Eater, lead this murder to get revenge against Jugson, who recently announced her engagement to Magpies star beater Rafe Kirke.

For further analysis on Avery's relationship with Jugson and subsequent breakup see page 4.