A probable cause hearing has been postponed until Sept. 16 for Sergio Correa, who is accused of torturing and killing three members of the Lindquist family in Griswold during a violent crime spree on Dec. 20, 2017.

The hearing, which will include testimony from key witnesses and investigators and has been likened to a mini trial, originally was scheduled for Aug. 27. But the evidence is not ready, since the state still is preparing its key witness — Correa's codefendant and adopted sister, Ruth Correa.

Also, Superior Court Judge Arthur C. Hadden still is reviewing an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 pages of sealed mental health and child welfare documents concerning Ruth Correa to determine whether they will be released to the state and defense.

Sergio Correa's attorney, Joseph Lopez, said Thursday during a brief hearing in New London Superior Court that Sergio Correa, who has been incarcerated for more than a year, is "very, very frustrated" by the delays. Sergio Correa also complained, Lopez said, that he is transported to court in a "dog kennel," perhaps describing a cage module inside a prison transport vehicle.

"This in some ways has been very difficult for Mr. Correa," Lopez said.

Due to the nature of the alleged crimes and his $3.35 million bond, Sergio Correa, who is being held at the New Haven Correctional Center, is considered a high-security risk. Department of Correction spokesman Andrius Banevicius said that for safety and security reasons, the department does not discuss the method of transport for offenders.

Ruth Correa is expected to be the state's key witness as it attempts to prove to a judge that there is enough evidence to prosecute Sergio Correa for crimes that could keep him in prison for life: murder with special circumstances, three counts of felony murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree arson, second-degree arson and home invasion.

Though Sergio Correa is anxious to go forward, Lopez said the defense, which will look to discredit Ruth Correa, needs more time to review any documents ordered unsealed by Judge Hadden and Department of Correction recordings of phone conservations that have not yet been turned over to him.

Another item of evidence requested by the defense is a video of an interview of Ruth Correa that police have yet to do, according to prosecutor Stephen M. Carney. Additionally, the defense is asking for a copy of a formal cooperation agreement that the state may reach with Ruth Correa, who will be seeking leniency in exchange for testifying against her brother.

Ruth Correa, 25, is being held in lieu of $2.5 million at the Janet S. York Correctional Institution.

Arrest warrant affidavits in the case describe the siblings reuniting in the fall of 2017 after Sergio Correa spent 10 years in prison for violent crimes he committed as a teen. According to the warrants, Ruth Correa went along for the ride from Hartford to Griswold on Dec. 20, 2017. She said Sergio Correa had agreed to provide drugs to 21-year-old Matthew Lindquist in exchange for access to the Lindquist home to steal guns belonging to Lindquist's father, Kenneth.

Ruth Correa said that upon arriving in Griswold, she and "Gio" fatally stabbed Matthew Lindquist and disposed of his body in the woods near the family home. They went to the Lindquist home, where they tortured and killed Janet and Kenneth Lindquist, stole the guns and other items and set the home on fire. They allegedly stole Matthew Lindquist's car, which they are accused of setting on fire at a Glastonbury apartment complex.

k.florin@theday.com