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UTAH COUNTY -- The Payson couple accused in the grisly murder of former BYU professor Kay Mortensen made their first court appearance Monday morning.
Roger Mortensen, the son of the murder victim, and Roger's wife Pamela were arrested Thursday evening after being indicted by a grand jury. They are charged with murder and obstructing justice.
Kay Mortensen was found murdered inside his home in Payson Canyon in November. Pamela Mortensen made a 911 call from the home. Later her husband, Roger, got on the phone and said his father was dead. They reported they had been tied up and held hostage.
• Nov. 17, 2009 - Investigators remain tight-lipped about Payson murder
• Nov. 24, 2009 - Family offers reward in last week's murder
• Dec. 23, 2009 - Authorities say murder of Payson man was not random
• Jan. 25, 2010 - Family members named persons of interest in Mortensen slaying
• Jan. 26, 2010 - Friend defends person of interest in Mortensen murder
• Feb. 3 , 2010 - Investigators: Mystery woman may have information on Mortensen murder
• March 3, 2010 - Investigators looking for 32 guns stolen in Payson murder
• March 4, 2010 - Stolen guns could be part of motive for Payson murder
• July 29, 2010 - Deputies make arrests in former BYU professor's murder
Police named them as persons of interest in January and then took the case to a grand jury last week. The couple is being held in the Utah County Jail on $500,000 bail. Prosecutors say they will argue against any reduction in bail.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Tim Taylor says, "We believe that they are a threat to the community. When Roger Mortensen was picked up, firearms were located in his house. We think that it's prudent and the $500,000 cash bail is appropriate."
A few family members showed up at 4th District Court Monday to support the Mortensens, but they did not speak outside of the courtroom.
The Mortensens' attorney, Greg Skordas, again made it clear that his clients are innocent. But he acknowledged they are resigned to the fact it will take some time to clear their names.
"There certainly are others involved, and those are the people who committed the homicide," Skordas said. "Roger and Pam Mortensen did not, so whether there are others involved in obtaining guns and possession of stolen firearms, I don't know if the police are looking at anyone else."
The Mortensens will return to court Aug. 17. At that time the defense will argue for lower bail. The court also will address the question of whether the suspects need separate attorneys.
There will be no preliminary hearing in the case because a grand jury was used.
Prosecutors have not revealed what evidence they have proving Roger and Pamela Mortensen are responsible for the murder. They have said that information will come out during the trial.
The trail is expected to last two weeks and won't likely happen until early next year.
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Story compiled with information from Sam Penrod, Andrew Adams and Shara Park .
