By Neil Doyle and HOI-ABC

CULLOM – A Livingston County Judge has set bond at $5 million for a Cullom man accused of killing three people Christmas Day.

Clifford Brewer, 53, faces six counts of first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his wife Shirley Brewer, son Christian Brewer, and his neighbor Norman Walker early Wednesday morning in Cullom.

Brewer, whose last employment was at the Pontiac Correctional Center, appeared in court Friday.

According to our news partner HOI-ABC, Brewer told Illinois State Police he had been Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve and got into an argument with his wife after arriving home.

Shirley Brewer then called Norman Walker, so she could have a friend to talk to.

Not long after that, Brewer said he fell asleep. Brewer then claimed to have woken up to find all three dead.

However, when police arrived, Brewer was apparently washing clothing and failed to keep his story straight about who the firearm found in the home belonged to.

Livingston County State’s Attorney Randy Yedinak said a crime like this is unlike the crimes he deals with. He said the county tends to average one murder a year if that.

Yedinak could not provide details on a motive, but said evidence showed the victim’s wounds were not self inflicted.

Brewer’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]