The man accused of a gruesome murder in Sudbury made a brief court appearance on Wednesday.

Robert Steven Wright is accused of murdering Renee Sweeney 21 years ago.

The 39-year-old was arrested in December and charged with first-degree murder.

Wright will next appear in court to confirm a judicial pre-trial on July 30. 

The Crown is also expected to bring forth an application of some kind by August 29. No further details were provided on that matter.

CTV Northern Ontario is following the story and will provide updates as they become available.