Security was heightened at the Bridgewater courthouse for what was only Penny Patricia Boudreau's second appearance on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Karissa.

 The case has been before the courts several times, but the 34 year old previously appeared only once, in June, just days after she was charged. Other times her lawyer has appeared on her behalf.

 Everyone entering the building had to pass through a metal detector set up inside the front door.

 Once anyone entered the courtroom where Ms Boudreau was to appear, sheriff's deputies would not permit them to leave.

 A handful of police officers sat at the back of the room, while two were stationed at the front facing the gallery.

 A dozen members of the Boudreau family, including Karissa's father, Paul, and her grandparents, sat quietly through the proceedings.

 Mr. Boudreau declined interview requests, saying he just wanted to see what was going to happen with the case. He said he hadn't seen his former wife since her last court appearance in June.

 Unlike that day, there were few spectators in the gallery other than family and members of the media.

 Deputy sheriffs escorted Ms Boudreau to court via a stairway usually reserved for judges. She entered the courtroom through a side entrance flanked by three deputies, spoke very briefly with her lawyer, then sat slightly rocking back and forth, wiping tears from her cheeks, as lawyers on both sides discussed future court dates.

 Because any trial in the case will be heard by a Supreme Court judge and jury, Ms Boudreau did not enter a plea. A not guilty plea would be entered once a jury is selected. A judge sitting alone could only take a guilty plea at this stage.

 Justice Margaret Stewart agreed to hear an application to unseal various warrants from the investigation on December 8. Defence lawyer Pat Atherton indicated neither he nor his client would attend for the formality.

 Ms Boudreau will return to court January 30, when lawyers are expected to outline where the case is heading.

 Mr. Atherton refused to speak with reporters following court. However, Crown attorney Paul Scovil said discussions between the two sides are continuing.

 "It's not at a point now where I can tell you exactly what will be taking place on that date," he said.

 The two sides are still talking about what hearings may be required to determine the admissibility of certain evidence. Those hearings would most likely be completed before the case goes before a jury.

 Indications this morning were that the murder trial won't happen before next fall. There are usually four jury terms each year in Lunenburg County. Mr. Atherton told Justice Stewart he won't be ready by March and Mr. Scovil suggested May is unlikely.

 The Crown attorney could not confirm if the case will go to trial.

 "At this point, we're looking at that. We're preparing for trial. We're headed in that direction and we'll continue in that direction," he said.

 "I have no idea what their defence may or may not be. I do know we have a good case," he added.

 As for Monday's application, Mr. Scovil said he was consenting to the order to unseal the documents which is "fairly routine." He indicated the defence wants to see information officers provided to get a judge's permission to use various investigative techniques, suggesting that may involve wiretap evidence gathered in the case.

 "I'm not going to go into what evidence we have, but it's of that nature," the Crown attorney said.

 Ms Boudreau remains in custody at the Burnside correctional facility where she has been since her arrest in mid-June.

 She reported Karissa missing on January 27, making two tearful public pleas for the 12 year old's return before the girl's frozen body was found on the bank of the LaHave River on February 9.

 Police have not revealed the specifics of how she died, but court documents suggest they believe it happened on the day she was reported missing.

 Ms Boudreau claimed they'd argued and she'd left Karissa in the car at the Bridgewater Mall while she went inside. She said when she returned, her daughter was gone.

 The charge of first-degree murder implies the death was planned and deliberate.