Trial Date Set in Christina Morris Kidnapping Case

The man accused of kidnapping Christina Morris will head to trial for her disappearance on November 30.

According to the Morris family, this week marks eight months since their daughter went missing after a night out with friends at the Shops at Legacy.

"It's harder – the more months go on, it's harder," said Jonni McElroy, Christina Morris' mother.

"I just want her home. I want answers and I want closure. I not only want closure for our family but the Arochi family, too."

Enrique Arochi is the primary suspect in her disappearance.

Attorneys expect the aggravated kidnapping trial to last about three weeks.

In January, Arochi is now also scheduled to face separate, unrelated charges involving the sexual assault of a child.

His accuser is a former girlfriend, who says she was underage at the time of their sexual relationship.

Arochi has pleaded not guilty to all of these charges.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Arochi's defense attorney Keith Gore discussed several motions he has filed about discovery.

The state revealed scientific testing in the kidnapping case is still underway.

Specifically, they're waiting on analysis of the contents of a shop vacuum, which contained several hairs and fibers investigators believe may be relevant to Morris' disappearance. According to the state, the hairs and fibers have been sorted, but not tested.

Also on Wednesday, Collin County judge Mark Rusch refused to issue a gag order, as originally requested, but later retracted by Gore.

However, Judge Rusch issued a strong warning to both sides about the impact he believes high media attention around the still active investigation may have, saying he does not want to see "press conferences on the courthouse steps".

He added that in his observations, "far too many people [have made] far too many comments" to sway public opinion.

The judge says he fears too much public attention may make it impossible for Arochi to have a fair trial in Collin County.

The Morris family tells NBC5 they are planning a balloon release at Celebration Park in Allen to mark the eight month anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.

They are also continuing their weekly searches for Morris. They meet every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Allen High School.

NBC 5's Josh Ault contributed to this report.

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