KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A man facing federal charges for helping an alleged murderer avoid the law has been granted more time to prepare his defense.

Eric Boyd is accused of sheltering Lemaricus Davidson after the fatal carjacking last January of Channon Christian, a 21-year-old University of Tennessee student, and her 23-year-old boyfriend Christopher Newsom.

Boyd faces charges of accessory after the fact, and could get 15 years in prison if convicted

Boyd's trial had been set for February 4. Friday, a judge delayed the hearing until April 7 to give his attorney more time to prepare.

Four others, including the alleged ringleader Davidson, are charged in state court with the crimes.

Police say Boyd provided details of the crimes as allegedly told to him by Davidson while Boyd provided him a safe haven.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)