Judge finds enough evidence in double murder case

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A judge has just determined there is enough probable cause to move forward with the trial of a Brawley man accused of murdering a husband and wife inside their home.

25-year-old Brandon Hamlin appeared in court for his second preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

During the hearing, Hamlin's attorney asked the judge to drop the two counts of robbery Hamlin faces because he claims Hamlin did not want to rob the couple. 

However, the judge and the Imperial County District Attorney's Office disagree.

"We believe the defendant entered the home with the intention to commit a theft and so that is our whole premise of the case…His attorney was saying that that intent was not formed at the time we disagree with that which is what we proceed it on and the court held the defendant to answer on all charges," said Margaret Tafoya, Imperial County District Attorney's Office.

Hamlin is accused of murdering 78-year-old Elia Castro and 84-year-old Rigoberto Castro in their Brawley home last April. 

Hamlin is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of robbery. 

He is scheduled to be back in court next month.