Two of the four men accused of killing a couple in their rural Chautauqua County home are now charged with first-degree murder, but prosecutors have yet to say how the victims died. All four suspects pleaded not guilty in Chautauqua County Court Friday. A judge set bail for 34-year-old David Coggins at $2.5 million and at $1.5 million for 21-year-old Joshua McCormick.
They face the most serious charges while 18-year-old co-defendants Ricky Knickerbocker and Steven Todd face slightly lesser charges of second-degree murder. The Elmira men also face additional counts, including burglary and arson.
Joyce and Gordon Skinner were killed in the Chautauqua County Town of Carroll April 17. Firefighters found their bodies inside their burning home.
The Skinners' funeral was Friday.