A January trial date has been set for Pierre Collins, the Crystal man accused of killing his 10-year-old son, Barway.

During a seven-minute hearing Tuesday afternoon, Hennepin County Judge Tanya Bransford set several court dates, including Collins' trial for Jan. 4, 2016.

Collins waived his right to a speedy trial so his lawyers have ample time to prepare for trial. His trial is likely to last 2½ to three weeks, Bransford said.

Barway's birth mother, Louise Karluah, and stepmother, Yamah Collins, were both in the courtroom, along with several people who helped organize searches for the boy.

After the hearing, Yamah Collins acknowledged Karluah with a quick hello as several people gathered around and placed their hands on Karluah's arms and shoulders.

Barway went missing on the afternoon of March 18 after getting out of a school van in front of the Crystal apartment in which he lived with Pierre, Yamah and two younger children. Yamah Collins reported him missing that evening. Community members organized searches for the boy as law enforcement focused on his father.

Collins

Barway's body, bound with duct tape, was found in the Mississippi River in Brooklyn Center in April. Police found a knife near the body, according to a search warrant.

Cellphone records and surveillance video link Collins to the crime scene, according to court documents.

Father and son immigrated to Minnesota from Liberia a few years ago. The boy's birth mother, Karluah, traveled from Monrovia, Liberia, to attend the funeral.

Collins, who is being held in the Hennepin County jail on $2 million bail, is being represented by the Hennepin County public defenders office.

His next court date will be Oct. 19.

Karen Zamora • 612-673-4647

Twitter: @KarenAnelZamora