PAULS VALLEY, OK - An Elmore City man charged with shooting his girlfriend's ex-husband and dismembering his body will stand trial for first degree murder.
Brandon Duran's family describes the 32-year-old as a loving father and a hard worker. Duran's sister-in-law said last August, Duran left his home town of San Diego to visit his ex-wife in Elmore City. She tells us Duran wanted his 6-year-old son Brando to see his mother before starting Kindergarten.
"The next thing we know we are getting a phone call asking him what kind of tattoos he might because they think he might have been murdered by her current boyfriend," Aida Figueroa said.
That boyfriend was 31-year-old Justin Hammer.
According to Garvin County court papers, Hammer claims Duran barged into his home and started an altercation. That is when Hammer allegedly shot Duran in the face.
Hammer's grandfather Skeet Wayne believes he acted in self defense.
Hammer reportedly told police he panicked after the shooting and cut up Duran's body to get rid of it. Deputies found cement-filled buckets containing Duran's remains in a pond behind Hammer's Elmore City home Aug.10.
A judge ruled there is enough evidence to try Hammer for first degree murder.
Hammer will remain in the Garvin County jail without bond. His next court date is set for April 26.
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