Family members of a trio of youths formally charged with murder sat weeping quietly Thursday as an Orangeburg magistrate bound the men over for a bond hearing before a circuit judge.

Deron Hunter, 19, of 810 Banashee Circle, Orangeburg; Devon Bartley, 20, and Akim Bartley, 17, both of 305 Goodwin Road, Orangeburg, were arraigned on murder and first-degree burglary charges stemming from the shooting death of a Banashee Circle man.

A charge of attempted armed robbery was added to the list of offenses to which the youths must respond in circuit court at a bond hearing later. Orangeburg Magistrate Rita Brown explained that while a magistrate's court judge can set bond on the charges of attempted armed robbery, she cannot on the other two.

"Since two of these three (charges) are non-bailable, I'm going to send the others up to Judge Cottingham," Brown said. "At this time, bond is denied on the armed robbery charge and they will be sent up to General Sessions."

The three were arrested Wednesday after a 36-hour investigation following a brutal home invasion and eventual murder of Cesar Vazquoz Rivera, 24. Police say the Banshee Circle man was killed during a botched home invasion early Tuesday.

Around 12:50 a.m., a woman called 911 after hearing an argument erupt in her home between the victim and an unknown male. While the woman was speaking with a 911 operator, she heard shots ring out.

Orangeburg County sheriff's deputies arrived to find Rivera face down in a pool of blood. He had suffered five gunshot wounds to the upper portion of his body.

At the hearing Thursday, it was revealed the trio combined for a previous criminal record of nothing more serious than traffic violations.

Brown told the trio they have a right to a preliminary hearing where the state will attempt to show evidence proving the case should be bound over to General Sessions. The magistrate further explained to the youthful trio what course is taken should a grand jury bind the case over for trial.

"You have a right to attend your trial. If you're absent, your trial will proceed without you," Brown said. "If you do not attend your trial, further charges may be levied against you."

At one point, the hearing was interrupted as deputies cautioned Akim Bartley concerning his attire. They assisted him in pulling up his blue jumpsuit pants.

Nearly a dozen of the victim's family members sat with shocked and dazed expressions while several of an equal number of family members representing the accused sat weeping.

"Your first roll call is June 9," Brown told the youths.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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