By WMBD News
PRINCEVILLE – A Peoria County man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder Tuesday in a bond hearing for the death of his parents, Bradley University employees Susan B. Brill De Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron.
The offense is a Class M felony, which carries 20-60 years in prison.
Authorities say Jose Ramirez, 21, of Princeville allegedly killed his parents by pepper spraying them while they slept and then proceeding to stab them in the neck and stomach. They added he disposed of the bedding at a dumpster in Princeville.
They said the defendant had talked about killing his parents in the past.
Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell said Monday that blood had been found in the house and that officials suspected some kind of foul play.
On Tuesday, authorities said the garbage has been taken to the landfill and will unlikely be found.
Ramirez asked for a public defender and the judge appointed him one.
On Monday, Asbell confirmed Ramirez and Matthew Roberts, 20, confessed to the murder. Roberts was arrested for concealment of homicidal death, and obstruction of justice. He has not been formally charged yet.
Bond is set at $3 million, and a court date is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29.
Susan and Antonio had previously been reported missing after police responded to a residential burglary and missing persons report Sunday at their home in Princeville. The missing persons status has since been changed to a recovery effort, with Peoria County officials working with the Department of Natural Resources to find the bodies.
The couple were both Bradley University employees.
