JEFFERSON, Ga. -- A northeast Georgia man accused of killing his family and setting their home on fire is scheduled to appear in court next month in Jackson County to face charges for a second time.

On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Joseph Booth set an April 17 arraignment for Henry Lee Stringer, 34, of Auburn. A hearing marked the first time Stringer has appeared in court since Jackson County District Attorney Rick Bridgeman dropped earlier charges and filed his intention to seek the death penalty against Stringer.

Stringer faces murder and other felony charges including arson in connection with the deaths of his two children, their mother and their grandmother on May 30, 2006, and the fire which destroyed their home in Hoschton.

Investigators believe Stringer stabbed Marvelette Strickland, 29, and her mother, Evelyn Strickland, 68, before setting their home on fire. The couple's children, J'Majuan Stringer, 4, and J'Lasia Stringer, 2, both died in the fire.

The judge approved the qualifications of two attorneys, Christian Lamar and Joe Vigneri, who were appointed in December to represent Stringer.

The case went unprosecuted for months because Stringer was hit by a train June 8, 2006, the day before his children's funeral.