RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. – The man accused of killing his grandparents at their Rankin County home says he is not guilty.
Zachary Stanford, 22, made his initial appearance in court Thursday and was denied bond. He is charged with two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Robert Faries, 79, and his wife, Peggy, 77. “We charged him with capital murder because we believe he broke in their home with the intent to assault them and rob them,” explained Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey.
Stanford will be represented by a public defender, who requested he be given a mental evaluation, as well as alcohol and drug testings.
His preliminary hearing is set for July 14.
