GAINESVILLE, TX - A trial date has been set for one of four people charged in the death of a 4-year-old Gainesville boy last September.

This continues to be a very emotional case for both families involved.
On Wednesday, Johnny Lee Alexander appeared at the Cooke County Courthouse for an important pre-trial hearing.

Alexander had nothing to say as he was led out of the courthouse. The District Attorney's Office tells us the formal trial date is set for September 17th. Alexander and his wife, Matilde, could be tried together for first degree felony injury to a child and failure to seek medical attention. The DA says if convicted they could face up to 99 years to life in prison.

Four-year-old Nathan De Alejandro died September 24 when he was found not breathing at his mother's Gainesville home. Authorities say he had suffered severe burns about 2 weeks prior that had never been treated.

Officials say the mother, Catrina Maldonado, her boyfriend, Johnny Earl Alexander, and his parents, Johnny Lee Alexander and Matilde Alexander, have all been charged with injury to a child. The DA says Catrina Maldonado and Johnny Earl Alexander are currently in federal custody and will not be tried for Nathan's death until after they go to trial for weapons possession.