It appears Scott Devlin has found a lawyer.

An articling student appeared at Devlin’s court appearance today on behalf of his new lawyer.

The 52-year-old’s case has inched along following his arrest last year on Nov. 6.

Devlin did not appear in court today.

His defence and the Crown both stated they are prepared to move forward with a Crown pre-trial – a preliminary meeting where his case will be discussed between the two parties.

His next court appearance is set for Feb. 5.

A publication ban has been put in place to prevent certain details from being published during court proceedings.

He has remained in custody since his arrest in Toronto, after a Canada-wide warrant was issued in the murder of Mikaila Straatsma in late October.

Devlin faces charges of second degree murder and indignity to a body.

None of the allegations have been proven in court and Devlin is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Devlin’s arrest near Toronto’s Union Station concluded a five-month-long saga that began when his disappearance coincided with a homicide investigation at his 731 Pine St. apartment building in June.

He was reported missing on June 18, and Straatsma’s body was found in her apartment – just down the hall from Devlin’s apartment – on June 19.

City police said the two incidents were separate investigations for the first few months, but Devlin’s disappearance and Straatsma’s death were linked when the Canada-wide warrant was issued.