PAULS VALLEY (AP) — An Oklahoma man accused of killing a man and stuffing his body in cement-filled buckets has been ordered to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge.
Special Judge Trisha Misak ruled Thursday that there was probable cause for Justin Hammer to be tried in the death of Brandon Duran.
The judge scheduled a formal arraignment for April 26.
Prosecutors allege that Hammer fatally shot Duran, dismembered his body and placed the parts into buckets. The buckets and remains were later found in a pond in rural Garvin County.
Defense attorney Irven Box has said that Hammer shot Duran in self-defense after Duran forced his way into Hammer's home. Authorities say Hammer told police that he panicked after the shooting and cut up Duran's body to dispose of it.
