PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Which of the murders will go to trial first?

That is the question posed at Monday’s pre-trial hearing for accused killer Shelby Nealy.

Clad in an orange jumpsuit in court, Nealy stood next to his public defender as she told the judge she didn’t know which case to focus on first. 

Nealy faces three murder charges in Pinellas County and a fourth in Pasco County.

Investigators said Nealy admitted to killing his in-laws, Richard and Laura Ivancic, and his brother-in-law, Nicholas Ivancic, a few days before Christmas.  Their bodies were found at their Tarpon Springs home on January 1, 2019. 

They said Nealy was trying to cover-up the murder of his wife, Jamie Ivancic, whose body was later found in Pasco County at a home that Nealy and his wife used to rent.  

Investigators said he killed his wife in January of 2018 and used her phone to send text messages and photos of their two young children to family and friends to fool them into thinking she was still alive. 

Nealy decided to kill his in-laws after they become suspicious.  He then fled to Ohio with his two children. 

Because the murders span two jurisdictions, they will be tried separately. 

Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone indicated Monday that a discussion must be had with State Attorney Bernie McCabe to decide. 

The next pre-trial hearing is set for Aug. 12.