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KAYSVILLE — A Roy man accused of shooting and killing his father over the weekend claims he shot the man in self defense.
Joseph Allen Nance, 28, was charged Monday with murder, a first-degree felony, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.
Kaysville police were called to Room 21 the Far West motel, 410 N. Main, Saturday night after receiving reports that shots had been fired. When they arrived, Gregory Nance, 52, was found lying on the bed with multiple gunshot wounds, the charges state. He died at the scene.
Joseph Nance was found about 4 a.m. Sunday hiding in an underground bunker in a wooded area of Layton.
"The defendant admitted to shooting his father, claiming he did so in self-defense," the charges state.
Joseph Nance appeared in court Monday, where 2nd District Judge David Connors set bail at $1 million. Prosecutor Steve Major argued for no bail, citing Nance's criminal history and possible gang affiliation.
"We feel he is going to be a danger to society," Major said.
The prosecutor said he did not anticipate filing additional charges despite comments made to that effect by an attorney representing Nance.
Another court hearing to discuss bail and the man's charges has been set for March 28.
Police said Joseph Nance got involved in a fight between his parents and later ended up shooting his father after his mother had left.
"The story is my dad was beating on my mom, but my mom showed no signs of being beat," said Joseph Nance's sister, Charity Green.
She said her father had been abusive in the past, but changed after receiving counseling. Green described her brother as "a known drug addict" who is addicted to methamphetamine and said he often threatened to kill his father.
Joseph Nance has a criminal history of drug and gun charges, including a 2003 federal indictment for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Because of previous convictions, he was restricted from possessing firearms.
E-mail:emorgan@ksl.com