Cardamone to stand trial over Chetcuti murder

The Magistrate who's committed Michael Cardamone to stand trial over Whorouly woman Karen Chetcuti's murder has fought back tears when speaking with her family.

John Murphy sending the accused to the Victorian Supreme Court next week as it's alleged Cardamone drugged, bashed and burnt the mum of two alive in January last year.

The Magistrate wiping his eyes as he spoke to Ms Chetcuti's loved ones, offering his sympathy, after the alleged killer left his Wangaratta court room yesterday.

Cardamone's pleading not guilty.

His lawyer pointing the finger at an associate, Eddie George, who police allege helped burn Ms Chetcuti's car after the killing.

Defence barrister Patrick Tehan QC also saying a number of items found near Ms Chetcuti's body and car did not contain Cardamone's DNA.