Man who murdered family of 4, buried bodies in shallow graves near Victorville sentenced to death

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Published January 21, 2020 2:38 PM

Charles Merritt has been sentenced to death.

In June, the 62-year-old was found guilty in the killing of his former business partner, Joseph McStay, McStay's wife, Summer, and the couple's 3 and 4-year-old sons. Later in June, a jury recommended a death sentence.

According to KABC, the sentencing was originally slated for Friday after Merritt attempted to fire his lawyer. Merritt's lawyer filed a motion for a new trial based on the grounds that their was alleged misconduct on the part of the prosecution.

The McStay family disappeared from their San Diego County home in 2010. Their bodies were found in two shallow graves near Victorville in 2013. Merritt was arrested the next year.

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Sam Benson Smith

Sam Benson Smith is the Digital Content Director for Gulf California Broadcasting. Learn more about Sam here.

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