The Yukon's legal aid society says it alone cannot afford to defend two people accused of killing a Whitehorse-area man nearly two years ago, as their trial is expected to be the biggest and most expensive trial in the territory's history.

The Yukon Legal Services Society is seeking government help to pay for defence lawyers in the trial of Norman Larue, 26, and Christina Asp, 31, who are charged with first-degree murder in the 2008 death of Gordon Seybold.

Larue and Asp were arrested in Strathmore, Alta., in July, more than 15 months after firefighters found the remains of Seybold, 63, in the rubble of his Ibex Valley-area house, which was destroyed by fire in late March 2008.

Legal aid executive director Nils Clark told the Yukon Territorial Court on Friday that two lawyers from British Columbia have agreed to defend Asp and Larue. A trial date is yet to be set.

'Mr. Big' investigation used

But Clark warned that their case is so big, it could exhaust the legal aid society's budget.

"We certainly haven't had anything like that in my experience in the Yukon," Clark told CBC News outside court on Friday. "I've been here now for … over 18 years, so I think it's fair to say that it's a case that's without precedent."

Clark said evidence against the accused involves a "Mr. Big" type of sting operation, in which undercover police officers acting as gangsters induce suspects to brag about their criminal pasts.

Trials arising from "Mr. Big" operations typically run for months, with defence costs estimated at $100,000 per accused, Clark said.

Trial fairness needed

As a result, Clark said the case involving Asp and Larue could eat up one-eighth of the legal aid society's budget this year.

"The state has committed to an extensive investigation that must have been extremely expensive," he said.

"If they wish to have the defence properly prepared for trial, then resources will be required to maintain trial fairness."

Yukon justice officials say they are considering the society's request, but add that federal justice funds would also have to be tapped.

Larue and Asp are expected to make another court appearance next month.