Bond set for two suspects in murder of a Parma resident

NEW MADRID - Bond was set at $1 million each for a man and woman charged in the death of a Parma man.

Rebecca S. Pride, 41, of Catron and Cory J. Pride, 19, of Sikeston were arraigned on charges of first degree murder and armed criminal action in Division II of New Madrid County Circuit Court Monday.

Associate Judge Charles Spitler ordered the two to return to court June 19 with their public defenders, who were assigned to them.

The two are charged in the death of Van Patterson, 65, who was found dead June 11 in his rural Parma home. An autopsy showed Patterson died from "multiple skull fractures."

Authorities believe the pair allegedly went to Patterson's residence with the intent to steal money.

Apparently during the intended robbery, Patterson was struck on the head with a metal object. Police have recovered the weapon believed used in the assault.