Brawley double murder suspect’s sentencing changed to trial
Dillon Fuhrman
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – What was originally supposed to be the sentencing for a man accused of murdering a couple in their Brawley home has now become a trial.
There was sadness in courtroom Tuesday as the family of the victims had to hear some of the details the elderly couple went through on the day of their murder.
“My in-laws were good people and lived out their golden years…you know, not bothering a soul, so we are here for justice and we are going to get it,” said Michael Fong, victims’ son-in-law.
26-year-old Brandon Hamlin originally pleaded no contest to four charges, two of them were for premeditated murder and the other two were for robbery.
However, during the latest court appearance, Hamlin dropped his plea after the judge announced he would not get rid of the robbery charges, leading the case to go to trial.
“The issue today came up as whether or not the judge had the authority to strike those special circumstances, and the judge agreed that he did not, and did a lot of extensive briefing on both sides, and so did the court, to come to the realization,” said Jeffrey Brooker, Assistant District Attorney.
The victims’ family says they agree with what happened at the hearing, and they hope this brings them justice.
“We got two people brutally murdered…For him to have a possibly parole, there’s no justice to that,” Fong expressed.
Hamlin is accused of murdering 78-year-old Elia Castro and 84-year-old Rigoberto Castro by stabbing them multiple times in April of 2023.
The trial has been set for July 15.