By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington man accused of killing his parents pleaded not guilty during a brief court appearance at the McLean County Law and Justice Center on Friday.
The plea was issued by Assistant Public Defender Michael Herzog on Brian Petersen’s behalf. Petersen, 25, was brought into the courtroom by court security as he wore shackles.
He appeared via videolink from the McLean County Jail during his initial court appearance on Aug. 1. He did not speak during Friday’s two-minute hearing.
A grand jury has indicted Petersen on four counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors say he stabbed his parents Bruce and Nancy Petersen at their rural Bloomington home last month.
McLean County Judge Casey Costigan said the prosecution has subpoenaed Petersen’s medical records. Petersen was to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. Peterson displayed what some described as odd behavior during his Aug. 1 court appearance.
McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers has said Petersen admitted to the killings.
The case has been assigned to McLean County Judge Robert Freitag. Petersen remains jailed on $6 million bond. His next court appearance will be on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
