Man indicted for first-degree murder in parent's deaths

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (AP) - A southern Illinois man has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his parents.

Keith R. Ritcheson was indicted Thursday by a Jackson County grand jury in the deaths of Burl and Brenda Ritcheson.

Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 14, the 40-year-old Ritcheson of Murphysboro called 911 to say there were two people, possibly dead, in the home he shared with them. He was arrested later that week.

The indictment charges Ritcheson with causing the death of Burl and Brenda Ritcheson by shooting them.

If convicted, Ritcheson could be sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for each victim. If it is shown a firearm was used in the commission of the offense, he faces an additional 25 years to life for each victim.