Four people charged in two separate murder cases were arraigned last Friday and their cases set for trial, online court records show.
Mark Payton, 28, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of firearms by certain persons, unauthorized use of property and theft by receiving in the Jan. 16 shooting death of 34-year-old Justin Lee Brown at Bergman, while Lauren Smith, 23, is charged with first-degree murder and hindering apprehension or prosecution in the same case.
Officials say both have been sent to prison on revocation of suspended sentences.
A court order issued earlier this month set their arraignment dates for Friday, March 26, and they were to appear via closed circuit TV from their respective prison units.
However, court officials say they both applied for and are represented by the public defender’s office. They signed waivers that did not require them to appear and not guilty pleas were entered on their behalf.