Pitts murder trial delayed

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Circuit Judge Mark Boie on Tuesday granted prosecutors an additional 120 days to gather evidence for their murder case against Robert J. Pitts Jr.

Union County State's Attorney Allen James presented evidence of a backlog of cases at the state crime lab that forced him to seek the delay.

Robert J. Pitts Jr. is accused of killing his parents Robert Pitts Sr., 45, and his wife, Marcia, 43, by shooting both in the head Dec. 21 at their Jonesboro home.

Pitts is in custody in the Tri-County Detention Center in Ullin, Ill., in lieu of a $1 million bond.

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