Charles Merritt

Charles 'Chase' Merritt is facing life or death in the murder of Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer, and their 3- and 4-year-old boys. For years, the disappearance of the McStay family from their San Diego County home puzzled investigators, with no signs of forced entry and the couple's credit cards untouched. Their remains were found years later in a remote desert location more than 100 miles away. The prosecution allege Merritt bludgeoned his business partner, partner's wife and two young sons with a sledgehammer before burying them. The jury recommended the death penalty.