Brown goes to trial

The murder case involving suspect Andy Brown will go to trial, District Court Judge Jeff Middleton decided Thursday.

During the second consecutive day of Brown’s preliminary examination, additional testimony was given regarding the suspected weapon, Brown’s location the morning of the alleged murder based on cell phone records and a possible motive Brown may have had for allegedly murdering Sturgis accountant David Locey last month.

Brown’s attorney, Michael Hills, said the fact no weapon has been recovered and lack of a motive are strong arguments against the case going to trial.

But prosecuting attorney John McDonough said embezzlement charges against Brown involved clients he represented as an employee of Locey’s were a factor, as Locey was contemplating whether to dismiss Brown from the accounting firm.

A trial date has not been set. Middleton said it will be important for McDonough to secure results of lab tests of Brown’s clothing for blood and a hand swab for gunpowder residue.

Middleton kept Brown’s bond at $2 million.