JACKSON COUNTY — A Murphysboro man accused of murdering his parents at their rural Murphysboro home recently appeared in Jackson County Court via video arraignment Tuesday.

Forty-year-old Keith Ritcheson is charged with two-counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Burl and Brenda Ritcheson. Officials have not said why Ritcheson shot his parents, but he reportedly made the 911 call shortly after midnight on Monday, Aug. 14 saying two people were dead in the home that he shared with them.

According to the Southern Illinoisan, each count is punishable by 20 to 60 years in prison and three years of mandatory supervised release. Since a firearm was used in the crime, if Ritcheson is convicted of both counts of murder, he faces an enhanced sentencing of mandatory natural life in prison.

Ritcheson will be back in Jackson County Court for his preliminary hearing on Sept. 19 at 12:45. He is currently lodged in the Jackson County Jail on $1 million bond.