JACKSON COUNTY — A Jackson County grand jury Thursday indicted a 40-year-old Murphysboro man on four counts of first degree murder in connection with the death of his parents last month at their home in Murphysboro.
(Source: JCSO)
The indictment charges Keith Ritcheson in two alternate counts with causing the death of Burl Ritcheson and two alternate counts with causing the death of Brenda Ritcheson by shooting them knowing it would cause their deaths or great bodily harm. The incident happened during the overnight hours of Sunday, Aug. 13 and Monday, Aug. 14.
If convicted, Ritcheson could be sentenced to between 20 and 60 years in prison for each victim. He also could face an additional mandatory sentence of 25 years to life for each victim if it is shown that a firearm was used in the offense. Ritcheson will not be eligible for probation for
He also could face an additional mandatory sentence of 25 years to life for each victim if it is shown that a firearm was used in the offense. Ritcheson will not be eligible for probation for
Ritcheson would not be eligible for probation for first degree murder and will be required to serve the entire sentence.
Ritcheson is currently held in the Jackson County Jail with bail set at $1 million. He is scheduled to be in court for his arraignment on Sept. 12 at 12:45 p.m.