Accused murder trio to face Vic hearing

Three people charged with murdering a Victorian father, whose body was found in a shallow grave, are expected to face court in September.

Brendan McDowall, 52, Shane Heiberg, 34, and Natalie Dalton, 37, have been charged with the murder and false imprisonment of 39-year-old Jade Goodwin.

They were due to face a pre-trial committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but the hearing was vacated until September.

The trio is now expected to face a three-day hearing starting on September 17.

A 46-year-old woman, Olivia McOrmond, has also been charged with murder.

Mr Goodwin's body was found at Tyabb on the Mornington Peninsula on October 22.

It is alleged the accused murderers killed him between October 14 and 15 at nearby Hastings.

Several scientists, including biologists and a fingerprint expert, are expected to give evidence during the hearing in September.