Bond set in Parma murder case

Standard Democrat

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Bond was set at $1 million each for a man and woman charged in the death of a Parma, Mo., man.

Rebecca S. Pride, 41, of Catron, Mo., and Cory J. Pride, 19, of Sikeston, Mo., were arraignedMonday on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Associate Judge Charles Spitler ordered the two to return to court Thursday with their public defenders, who were assigned to them.

The two are charged in the death of Van Patterson, 65, who was found dead June 11 in his rural Parma home.

An autopsy showed Patterson died from multiple skull fractures. Authorities allege the pair went to Patterson's residence with the intent to steal money.

Apparently during the intended robbery, Patterson was struck on the head with a metal object. Police have recovered the weapon believed used in the assault.