Judge Michael Murry made the decision Thursday afternoon.
Bail for Dustin Merrick and Bret Merrick was also increased to $5 million each, according to Greene County Prosecutor Stephen Haller. The brothers are still being held in the Greene County jail.
Highlights
- Brothers Dustin Merrick, 25, and Bret Merrick, 24, are accused in the homicides of William "Skip" Brown and Sherri Mendenhall on Jan. 15.
- A probable cause hearing in the case is being held in Xenia Municipal Court today.
- A Greene County Sheriff's Office investigator testified today that Dustin Merrick worked for Brown for "three or four" years.
Brent Riley, BCI Special agent in Cyber Crimes testified a Kyocera phone was found in the bedroom of the male victim.
With the help of security footage in Brown’s residence, the cyber crimes unit determined the homicide took place around 3 a.m and used that time stamp to determine how far back in the phone’s call log to determine if any phone calls had been made around that time, according to Riley.
After examining the call log, a call from the phone around 3:11 a.m. was attempted, but the dialer could only manage to dial the numbers 9-1, Riley testified.
Updated: 12: 20 p.m.
Dustin and Bret Merrick sat in a Xenia courtroom for more than three hours Thursday while witnesses related to the collection of evidence were called to the stand to testify.
Dustin Merrick, 25, sat with his defense team while Bret, 24, sat in the jurors box with another defense lawyer due to limited space.
RELATED: Greene County Sheriff continuing investigation into double homicide
Kelly Edwards, Greene County Sheriff’s Office lead detective in the investigation, testified that during the Jan. 20 interview at Dustin Merrick’s home, he confirmed he and William Brown had a working relationship, describing his title as Brown’s “right hand man.”
RELATED: Timeline: Greene County double homicides
According to Edwards’ testimony Dustin Merrick worked for Brown for “three or four” years and was unhappy with his work schedule.
Dustin Merrick had wanted to change his work schedule to spend time with his girlfriend and her child, according to Edwards.
Also, Edwards testified that Dustin Merrick stopped working for Brown in early October, but had seen him at least once before Brown was killed, which was to deliver a bill for hours worked.
After working for Brown, Dustin Merrick worked at a Xenia smoke shop, according to Edwards’ testimony.
Edwards also testified Dustin Merrick owned three guns: a 22 rifle, a 9mm handgun and a shot gun.
A shotgun shell was recovered at the scene from authorities according to Edwards.
Earlier
A hearing is underway this morning in Xenia Municipal Court for two brothers accused in a double homicide outside of Yellow Springs last month.
Dustin Merrick and his brother Bret Merrick are being held on $750,000 bond each in the shooting deaths of William "Skip" Brown and Sherri Mendenhall on Jan. 15.
Dustin Merrick entered the court room first Thursday morning. He looked around, made no eye contact with anyone and said nothing. He flashed several smiles when lawyers came in and even laughed a little.
Check back for updates throughout the morning on this hearing.
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