BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The case of two teenage boys accused of murdering an elderly couple in their Southwest Bakersfield home is headed to trial after a judge determined there is enough evidence against them.

Kyle Hoffman, 17, and his nephew Luis Palafox, 16, face two counts of first degree after they allegedly broke into the home of Joe and Dorothy Parrott and stabbed and bludgeoned them to death in August 2008.

The prosecution called police witnesses to the stand Thursday morning. Officer Christopher Knutson said he was the first to arrive on scene. Inside he said he said he found Joe Parrott dead on a bed with a pillow over his face and dried blood around him. Knutson said he found Dorothy in the next bedroom.

"I observed there was blood spattered on the walls and that there was dried blood on the blankets and pillows and there was also a pillow covering her face," said Knutson.

Detective Dennis Murphy testified that in an interview with Hoffman, the teen told him that he and Palafox smoked marijuana in his family's apartment the day of the murder.

"While in the apartment that day they had discussed going out that night burglarizing or entering some vehicles and had discussed possibly burglarizing a residence," said Murphy.

Murphy said Hoffman then told him they decided to break into the Parrott's home because there was no car in the driveway. And Palafox was carrying a baseball bat in his pant leg and a knife in his sock.

"Hoffman told me Palafox told him something along the lines, 'If there's anybody there don't worry, I'll take care of them,' said Murphy.

Murphy said Hoffman told him that he and Palafox stole money, jewelry, pens and rare coins from the Parrott's home and divided up the items in a church parking lot.

Murphy also said Hoffman confessed to the crime to his next door neighbor who then called police.

Both teens face life in prison without the possibility of parole. They do not face the death penalty since they allegedly committed the crimes when they were minors.

Previous Stories

• 2 Teens Accused Of Killing Couple Face Judge
• Two Suspects Arrested In Connection With Parrott Killings