VALPARAISO, Indiana — A former Hammond and Gary police officer accused of murdering the mother of his children will face a jury beginning Jan. 9.

Kevin Campbell, 33, was brought over from jail to the courthouse Monday morning for a short hearing, during which time his trial date was confirmed by Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford.

Bradford said he is setting aside four weeks for the murder trial, which is a lengthy period for that type of case.

Campbell is charged with killing Tiara Thomas, 30, who was found covered in blood about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 18, 2015, in her unit at Park Place Apartments, 5970 Old Porter Road in Portage. She died later at the hospital.

Police believe Campbell shot Thomas sometime between 4:37 and 5:55 a.m., then took their three children to school.

Court documents indicate Campbell kept the three children overnight at his home in Hobart the night before Thomas was killed. It also alleges Campbell requested his oldest child bring him a key to the apartment nearly two weeks before the homicide.

The documents point to arguments over child support and other money-related matters as a motive.

Source: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/former-hammond-and-gary-police-officer-accused-of-murdering-the/article_2b541a57-f254-5ca7-8c93-46bb71494bf3.html