Virginia native, Sandton Browder, 23, appeared in front of Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Berhalter for his arraignment hearing. (Photo by Gage Vota)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Murder suspect Sandton Browder appeared in front of Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Berhalter on Friday morning for his arraignment hearing.

The Virginia native is accused of shooting and killing Jordan Dean, 24, of North Carolina at a Bellaire house on Jan. 15.

Browder, 23, was indicted on Wednesday by a Belmont County grand jury. He faces one count of murder with a gun specification and one count of having a weapon while under disability.

Berhalter informed Browder that he could face life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years for one count of murder with a gun specification and a maximum of three years having a weapon while under disability charge. He said that if Browder would be convicted of both offenses he would be sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 21 years.

On Friday, Browder was represented by Belmont County Public Defender Lane Hanlon.

Berhalter continued the $3 million bond previously set by Belmont County Eastern Division Judge David Trouten, citing Browder’s criminal history before doing so.

“Mr. Browder, I have no idea if you committed this offense. We’re not making that determination here this morning. So nothing I say should give you the impression that I’ve already formed an opinion because nothing could be farther from the truth,” Berhalter said. “But a review of your record does give me real concerns. Previous charges of assault, malicious wounding, brandishing a firearm, causes me concern. It causes me concern because if you committed those offenses, and it’s a big if you committed those offenses, you are a threat to the public.”

A pre-trial hearing is set for Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. with a plea agreement deadline hearing on March 9 at 10 a.m.

Berhalter said that if no resolution is reached then the matter will receive a trial on March 26 at 8:30 a.m.