WARREN, Ohio - Just weeks before he is set to go on trial, attorneys for the teen accused of murdering his 94-year-old neighbor told the judge they need more time to prepare their case.

At a hearing Friday morning in Judge Wyatt McKay's court, 17-year-old Jacob Larosa waived his right to a speedy trial.

That means his trial date will now be delayed until March 20th of 2017.

The trial was originally scheduled to go forward on September 19th.

Larosa was just 15-years-old when he was charged with the murder, attempted rape and robbery of Marie Belcastro.

The crime happened in March of 2015.

Defense attorneys were also granted their request for forensic experts.

Chris Becker, an Assistant Prosecutor for Trumbull County says, "Obviously they feel there are things they need to get ready before trial.  The State is always ready to prosecute this case, and we've been ready for some time now."

Larosa made his first appearance in an adult court since the Ohio Supreme Court refused to hear arguments asking for the case to be remanded back to the juvenile court.

If convicted the maximum penalty for Larosa is life in prison without the chance for parole. He is not eligible for the death penalty because of his young age when the crime was committed.