NEWKIRK, Okla. (AP) - Three people from Ponca City accused in the beating death of a man in Kay County are to have preliminary hearings.

The court proceedings are set for Tuesday and Wednesday in Newkirk.

The Ponca City News reports that prosecutors have upgraded charges to premeditated first-degree murder and kidnapping against 33-year-old Jared James Bales and 29-year-old Cassie Lina Cramer. Officials charged 29-year-old Michael James Jeffries with first-degree murder, conspiracy and unlawful removal of a corpse.

The three are accused in the death of 36-year-old Lewis Heath Stanley, whose body was found in August, about two weeks after he died.

The defendants are being held on more than $1 million bond each.

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