An Auburn man accused of killing his wife 26 years ago will appear in court Monday for a possible trial start.

Paul Kovacich is charged with the murder with an enhancement of using a firearm in the death of his wife, Janet, who was reported missing Sept. 9, 1982. On Monday, there is a motion to continue the case, according to Scott Owens, public information officer for the Placer County District Attorney’s Office. Owens said if the motion is denied, the trial will move forward.

While police have not found Janet Kovacich’s body, the case remained open. In September 2006, Paul Kovacich was arrested following a murder indictment from a Placer County grand jury.

In August, investigators seized a gun that could’ve been the firearm used to kill Janet Kovacich. Lincoln residents Craig and Nancy DeLoach turned over a .44 caliber pistol to Placer County Sheriff’s Department investigators. The gun was said to be given by the suspect to a law enforcement officer who in turn gifted it to another law enforcement officer before it as given to Craig DeLoach.

A gag order has since been put in place, forbidding officials from discussion the evidence.

In 1995, a section of skull found in Rollins Lake was discovered. DNA tests identified the fragment as Janet Kovacich’s. Placer County coroner said a hole in the skull was caused by a gunshot. The defense contends that is an uncertainty.

Paul Kovacich will appear in Placer County Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. 33.

-Jenifer Gee