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MANTI — A man accused in the fatal shooting of a couple in Mt. Pleasant three years ago faced a Utah judge for the first time Wednesday.
Handcuffed and shackled, Logan McFarland, 27, walked into the courtroom of 6th District Judge Marvin Bagley for an initial hearing.
The hearing lasted about 10 minutes, during which Bagley informed McFarland he faces two counts of aggravated murder.
McFarland told the judge he won’t be able to post the $1 million bail, so he will remain in the Sanpete County Jail. He will be provided a public defender qualified to handle a capital case. His next hearing is set for March 11.
Prosecutors are accusing McFarland of a violent crime spree that started on Dec. 30, 2011, when Leroy and Dorothy Ann Fullwood were killed inside their Mt. Pleasant home.
McFarland and his girlfriend were captured in the Nevada desert a few days later.
He was convicted of crimes in Nevada and fought extradition to Utah, delaying the case until now, which has been a struggle for the victims' family.
"That's been the hard part about this process, is waiting that three years,” said Michael Fullwood, the couple’s son. “That being said, we know that people have been working tirelessly to have this day happen, and we know that has been ongoing and that's been a comfort, but, again, it has been a long time coming.”
Even after three years, the killings have left the small community in shock.
"It scares people. It frightens people to talk about events that happen in one's home," Sanpete County Attorney Brody Keisel said.
That's been the hard part about this process, is waiting that three years.
–Michael Fullwood, the couple's son
Keisel said he plans to pursue the death penalty against McFarland, if he is convicted, and acknowledges that means the case could still take years to move through court.
Angela Hill, who was arrested with McFarland, is not charged in the killings but does face other charges from the crime spree. She is currently serving time in Nevada.
The Fullwoods’ children say they appreciate the community support and look forward to finally putting the murder case behind them.
“That this continues as it should, that all the steps are followed, that he gets a fair trial and we get the justice that we are looking for,” Michael Fullwood said.
Contributing: Viviane Vo-Duc
