Trial Set for Suspect in Rape, Slaying
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A Nov. 15 trial date has been set for a man accused of raping and strangling a Port Hueneme woman eight years ago.
Michael Schultz, 32, allegedly attacked Cynthia Burger, 44, then burglarized her townhouse and set it on fire. The 1993 slaying went unsolved for six years before investigators received a tip that led them to Schultz.
The former Ventura resident is charged with one count of murder committed during a rape and burglary. He has pleaded not guilty.
Ventura County prosecutors announced this week that they will seek the death penalty.
Schultz remains a suspect in the 1996 death of Ventura teenager Jenniffer Vernals, according to law enforcement officials. Her skeletal remains were found in the hills near Montecito in Santa Barbara County.
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