Jason Klaus appears in Red Deer court on family murder charges

The two men accused of murdering a family in Castor last December and burning their house down made a brief court appearance in Red Deer Monday.

• Jason Klaus charged with murder in deaths of parents, sister
• Castor residents shocked over Klaus family murder charges

Jason Klaus, 38 and Joshua Frank, 29, appeared before a judge via closed circuit television.

Klaus is charged withfirst-degree murder in the deaths of his parents and sister, as well with as arson. The same charges were laid against Frank.

The remains of Gordon Klaus, 61, and his daughter Monica Klaus, 40, were found in the rubble of a burnt-out house on Dec. 8, 2013. The body of Sandra Klaus, 62, was never found. Police said it was possible her remains were destroyed in the fire.

An unshaven and somber-looking Klaus appeared on camera Monday. The man lowered his head and closed his eyes while the murder charges were being read before the court.

The victims' family sat in the front row. They declined to comment outside the courtroom, telling CBC News that the latest turn of events have been a lot to digest.

Both accusedare currently trying to find lawyers to represent them.

Klaus and Frank are scheduled back in Red Deer Court on Sept. 17 and will remain in custody.