A state trooper charged with murder in the death of an Indiana County dentist will go on trial sometime next year instead of this fall.

Kevin Foley, 43, is accused of attacking and killing Dr. John Yelenic in the dentist's home in Blairsville in April 2006. Dr. Yelenic, 39, bled to death after his attacker cut his throat.

Trooper Foley's lawyers have requested and received a delay in the trial, which had been on the November docket, Michael Kuhar, Indiana County's court administrator, said yesterday.

Mr. Kuhar said Trooper Foley will not stand trial until 2009. He said the precise date would be scheduled in a few weeks.

At the time Dr. Yelenic was killed, his estranged wife, Michele, was living with Trooper Foley. The Yelenics were within a day or two of finalizing their divorce.

Trooper Foley will remain in jail until his trial.