Preliminary hearing set in Modesto double murder, arson case

A judge has scheduled a preliminary hearing to begin March 23 for two men charged with murder, arson and burglary in the deaths of a Modesto couple found inside their burning home two years ago.

Authorities believe Brandon Pettit and Felix Valverde are responsible for the deaths of Pettit’s parents, Scott and Janet Pettit. They were found by firefighters battling a blaze in the bedroom of their home in the early hours of Aug. 8, 2013.

Prosecutors allege that the defendants committed the murders for financial gain. A filed criminal complaint indicates that the Pettits were shot in their home.

Investigators have said they believe the fire at the Divan Court home was started to cover up the murders and have confirmed that the victims were dead before the fire started.

The defendants have remained in custody since their arrest eight days after the house fire.

At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, Stanislaus Superior Court Judge Dawna Reeves will decide whether there is enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 3:01 PM with the headline "Preliminary hearing set in Modesto double murder, arson case."