Man ordered to face trial in Iron County double slaying

CEDAR CITY — A man accused of gunning down two people and burying their bodies under a shed has been ordered to stand trial.

Martin Chris Nelson, 43, was bound over for trial on charges of aggravated murder, a capital offense, and theft by receiving stolen property, a second-degree felony, following a preliminary hearing in 5th District Court on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial was set to begin Nov. 3.

Nelson is accused of killing Chad Grijalva and Derek Davis at his home in Beryl last year, then burying their bodies underneath a shed. Authorities investigating the men's disappearance came upon their pickup and ultimately made the gruesome discovery.

Iron County prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.