Court proceedings started Friday in Callaway County's third murder case this year when a Mexico, Mo., man and his wife were arraigned on murder charges in Callaway County Circuit Court at Fulton.
Represented by public defenders, Ryan Christopher Coari, 28, and his wife, Jacie Kollene Gagala Coari, 27, both pleaded not guilty at their separate arraignments.
Both of their preliminary hearings are scheduled at 9 a.m. Dec. 2 in Callaway County Circuit Court.
They are accused of killing an Auxvasse man and his daughter on Sept. 1.
Coari faces two counts of first degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and second-degree arson. His wife Jacie is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery.
The bodies of Michael J. Wieberg and his daughter Amanda Wieberg were found in the rubble of his burned home after both were shot and killed during an armed robbery.
Tight security was clamped on the courtroom Friday. Numerous county and city law enforcement officers were present. Metal detectors were used to screen everyone entering the courtroom.
Families of the victims and the accused were in the courtroom, sitting in separate areas.
Outside the courtroom after the arraignment, a family member of the victims commented on the murders.
"It's a bad deal. If they are convicted, I hope both of them get what they deserve. It's up to the court to take care of this," said Amy Wieberg. "It was my father and my sister who were murdered."