Accused Killer Apologizes At Arraignment

An accused killer makes an apology before his arraignment.

"He was my friend," Ronald Landrith said as he was led into the courtroom by deputies. " I'm sorry."

The family of Kenny Newsom Sr. said the apology was not enough.

"I want justice served to the fullest ... he broke two commandments and for that he should pay," said Kenneth Newsom Jr.

He and his aunt, Linda, discovered Newsom beaten to death inside his home in Dibble on April 28th.

4/29/2015 Related Story: Person Of Interest Sought In Murder Of Grady County Man

They say the shock and anger of discovering such a scene will not wear off anytime soon.

"I didn't just lose a brother, I lost my best friend," Linda Newsom said.

Landrith was an acquaintance who was staying at the victim's house for a few days before the murder.

She said her brother was the only person willing to help Landrith and can't believe he's now charged with his murder.

Prosecutors believe money motivated Landrith to kill, and that stole the victim's truck and gun before skipping town.

"I think he's just evil," Linda said.

Landrith was on the run three days before turning himself into to authorities in New Mexico.

Authorities say he arrived to the Grant County Sheriff's Department on May 2nd in the victims truck. They say, at that time, he gave a written confession to the murder.

But in court today, he only asked for a lawyer.

A bond hearing will be set in the coming weeks. The state is expected to ask for his bond to be denied.

In the meantime, Landrith will be held in the Grady County jail on murder and larceny of an automobile charges.