Suspect in Missouri couple's death waives hearing
SPRINGFIELD (AP) - A former high school superintendent accused of murdering a Springfield couple has lost a bid to be released on bond while he awaits trial.
Mark Edward Porter is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the April deaths of Gary and Jan Tyrrell. On Wednesday, he waived his preliminary hearing before a judge rejected his request to receive bond.
Porter was superintendent at the Mountain Grove School District when Gary Tyrrell was assistant superintendent. Prosecutors allege Porter killed the couple because they turned down his request for a $250,000 loan. The Springfield News-Leader reports court documents indicate Porter had gambling issues.
Porter's attorney argued Wednesday that Porter should be released on bond because he was a well-educated family man with no criminal record.