Brothers Ordered to Stand Trial in Slaying of Gay Men
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REDDING — Two brothers accused of killing a gay couple must stand trial in the hate-crime case and may face the death penalty if convicted, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Benjamin Matthew Williams, 31, and James Tyler Williams, 29, will each be tried on two counts of first-degree murder and related charges, Shasta County Superior Court Judge James Ruggiero said.
The brothers are accused of killing Gary Matson, 50, and Winfield Scott Mowder, 40, in July. They are also suspects in June arson fires that caused more than $1 million in damage to three Sacramento area synagogues.
Matson and Mowder were found shot to death in their bed July 1 in rural Happy Valley near Redding.
The Williams brothers have pleaded not guilty in Municipal Court to two counts each of first-degree murder and four robbery, burglary and auto theft charges. They are scheduled to enter pleas Oct. 6 in Superior Court.
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