The two men accused of helping James Roszko will stand trial for first-degree murder charges after the shooting deaths of four Mounties more than three years ago, a judge ruled Friday.

Dennis Cheeseman, 24, and Shawn Hennessey, 28, are both charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Consts. Peter Schiemann, Anthony Gordon, Brock Myrol and Leo Johnston.

Hennessey burst into tears when the judge ruled there was enough evidence to proceed.

His co-accused, Cheeseman, emerged from the court with red eyes and surrounded by his supporters.

The four Mounties were shot dead by James Roszko on March 3, 2005, as they were guarding a Quonset hut on his Mayerthorpe property.

The tragedy was one of the darkest days in the history of the RCMP as the worst single-day loss of life in more than century.

Friends of the accused said they were disappointed with the decision, but said they welcome the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

"Being in that courtroom a lot over the past four weeks I have heard things that people are going to be shocked when they hear," family spokesperson Chris Hennessey said.

RCMP reports have not connected either Hennessey or Cheeseman to being in Roszko's Quonset hut at the time of the shootings.

Little is known about why Hennessey and Cheeseman were arrested and what they are believed to have done in connection with the murders.

Police have remained tight-lipped about their role, other than to allege they were somehow involved.

The RCMP said on July 8, 2007, the men were arrested as the result of a lengthy undercover investigation.

Crown prosecutor David Labrenz said the two men are jointly charged so they will stand trial together.

"The Crown would have not proceeded with the charges unless they believed there was sufficient evidence to commit the accused to stand trial and proceed with the charges," he said.

It is hoped the trial will shed light on a number of mysteries that still surrounds the Mayerthorpe tragedy.

The question remains about whether Roszko received assistance in returning to the farm where he ambushed the officers.

The day before the shootings, he was seen fleeing the farm in his truck. That vehicle was later found 24 kilometres away from his property.

Cheeseman was granted bail before the preliminary trial began in May. He agreed in an Edmonton court to pay $10,000 in cash while family members put up a $245,000 surety.

Hennessey was granted bail in April on strict conditions and after providing a surety of at least $500,000.

The date for the trial has not yet been set.

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