A Niles man charged with the murder of Niles couple John and Carolyn Tarwacki in February 2010 is scheduled to appear in Cass County Court Wednesday.

Keith James Lintz, 28, is facing two counts of first-degree felony murder and one count of felony firearms. The penalty for first-degree murder is mandatory life in prison.

A pre-exam conference for Lintz is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., although there remains the possibility it could be adjourned. During a pre-exam conference, the defense and prosecution meet to resolve any issues prior to trial.

Lintz’s preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday. At that time, a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to merit a trial on the charges against Lintz.

The Tarwackis were murdered in their home at 979 Carberry Rd. in Niles on the morning of Feb. 5, 2010.

During arraignment Oct. 18, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said John was stabbed 10 times and shot twice, while his wife, Carolyn, was severely beaten, stabbed four times and shot twice. Both died at the scene.

Police from several agencies investigated the crime for 2 1/2 years, receiving 725 tips and interviewing 381 people in four states. Lintz’s name came up a week after the murders.

Michigan State Police arrested Lintz without incidence on Oct. 17 near his grandmother’s home on North 16th Street in Niles.

Lintz’s relationship to the victims and motive for the crime remain unknown, although both could come out during the preliminary examination.

The case is being prosecuted jointly by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office. Doug Baker, special assistant prosecutor with the state attorney general’s office, is acting as lead prosecutor.