Feb. 26 preliminary hearing set for accused killers of Carthage man

The preliminary hearing for the couple accused of murdering Raymond Ritchhart, 87, Carthage, has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Brian Benefiel, 48, and his wife Kelli, 27, are charged with first degree murder, first degree burglary, and armed criminal action, and are being held on $500,000 bond.

The Benefiels, who were neighbors of Ritchhart, were allegedly surprised by him while they were burglarizing his home at 1237 Douglas Court looking for prescription drugs. Police say they beat and stabbed Ritchhart to death.

Jasper County online records show Brian Benefiel pleaded guilty to a theft charge in 2008 and was placed on probation, which he violated when he was arrested for receiving stolen property the following year. He was again placed on supervised probation.
Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again place on probation.

Kelli Benefiel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.

Copeland denies bond request for accused killer of MSSU coach

Jeffrey Bruner will remain behind bars.

On Friday, Judge Richard Copeland overruled a motion from Bruner's attorney, Ross Rhoades of Neosho, to grant him bond as he awaits trial for the Nov. 1 shooting death of Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore at the Northstar 14 theater in Joplin.

Copeland granted a motion allowing Bruner to wear street clothes at his arraignment 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Jasper County Circuit Court. Copeland overruled Rhoades' motion to allow Bruner to appear without restraints.

Bruner, 39, Joplin, is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action. Police say the murder took place when Bruner confronted his estranged wife, Dawn Michele Bruner, and Moore in the theater parking lot.