The family of a slain Springfield couple wept at hearing how the two died but applauded when a judge ordered the man accused of murder held without bond.
Mark Edward Porter, 53, who is accused of murdering Gary and Jan Tyrrell in April, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday and will have his case move toward trial.
The Tyrrells' bodies were discovered in their Greenbrier Avenue home on May 1. The judge issued the bond order at the end of a long hearing, eliciting a reaction of relief from the Tyrrells' daughter.
While Porter quickly waived the hearing, attorneys argued for about two hours about Porter's character to determine whether he should be held or released.
Attorney Dee Wampler painted a picture of a well-educated, religious, family man with no criminal record. He submitted a binder of about 40 letters vouching for Porter. Many of those came from officials at the Assemblies of God.
Prosecutors pointed to a brutal homicide scene and raised concern about Porter's ability to flee if released on bond.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Todd Myers said there are two versions of Porter — one the public was aware of and another that would be willing to kill over money.
"They don't know who Mark Porter is," Myers said. "He's two men."
Documents say Porter had "gambling issues" and had asked his longtime friend and co-worker Gary Tyrrell for a $250,000 loan shortly before the Tyrrells were found dead. Gary Tyrrell traded in valuable coins and had many high-end items in the home, according to police.
Prosecutors called an inmate to testify Wednesday. Travis Howard, who is awaiting sentencing on multiple felonies, said he spent time with Porter in the medical unit at the Greene County Jail.
He said he watched sports with Porter and gambled, using items like stamps and food. Howard also said Porter told him he "wished he didn't have to kill Jan."
Wampler spent considerable time trying to show that Howard's criminal history made him an unreliable source, and that he was only making a statement to avoid a harsh penalty on his own charges.
Detective Chris Barb testified about the police investigation, how police followed Porter in an attempt to get a DNA sample, and about digging into his background.
Barb said Porter made many trips to Hollywood Casino in St. Louis in the last couple of years, and had a debt of about $40,000. He said there are also indications that Porter gambled online.
Barb also spoke about a loan from Porter's mother-in-law for about $138,000, $40,000 of which was paid back last year. Barb said a letter found in the home indicated the loan was made "under the table."
Wampler argued that Porter's debt wasn't outrageous, especially when compared to Porter's most recent reported annual income of almost $300,000.
"Do you know how many people in Springfield borrow money from family or friends?" Wampler asked Barb. "Do you know how many people have credit card debt?"
Barb said actions Porter allegedly took after the Tyrrells' deaths, such as turning over a Lexus he was leasing, selling a motorcycle and pawning cellphones, were suspicious. Wampler said the actions seemed like smart, normal financial decisions.
Police also said several thousand dollars' worth of silver coins were missing from the Tyrrells' home, and that Porter sold more than $18,000 worth of silver coins days after the Tyrrells were found.
Barb said certain things said in Porter's phone calls from jail also raised suspicion, particularly comments about "sticking to the plan" and asking his wife if she would "still love him in 25 years."
Wampler said "the plan" could refer to something as simple as following an attorney's advice and that the comment about 25 years was simply a moment shared between a husband and wife.
Judge Mark Powell's decision to keep Porter held in jail without bond caused an audible reaction from the packed courtroom — where members of the Porter and Tyrrell families sat next to each other.
When the order was announced, several people in the room let out a sigh of relief before many applauded.
Porter is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Documents show Porter and Gary Tyrrell were believed by many to be "best friends," but police say Porter — during a police interview after the slayings — refused to acknowledge the closeness of the relationship. Porter described Gary Tyrrell as an acquaintance.
Porter and Gary Tyrrell were also longtime professional associates, with Tyrrell working for Porter when he was a school superintendent in Mountain Grove.
Documents show police sought phone and other records to try to establish the extent of their relationship and to show Porter's whereabouts the day of the killing.
A walk-in safe in the basem*nt had scratch marks on it as though someone had tried to break in the safe, according to the charging documents.
Timeline
January: Mark Porter requested a $250,000 loan from Gary Tyrrell but was rebuffed, police say.
April 30: Police believe this is the day Gary and Jan Tyrrell were killed in their home.
May 1: The Tyrrells' bodies are found in their home. Police say Gary was shot twice and hit over the head, and that Jan was bludgeoned to death.
May 2: Porter sold $18,531 in silver coins to R&K Coins, police say.
Later in May: Police interview Porter after they learn he was close with the Tyrrells. Porter says he was at the house a few days before the bodies were found but denies a police request for DNA.
For several weeks after: Police follow Porter from time to time, in an attempt to get DNA discretely. An officer ultimately finds a coffee cup Porter had left behind at a "quick lube" business.
Aug. 15: Prosecutors charge Porter with two counts of murder and police arrest him.
Sept. 22: R&K Coins files a lien on coins sold by Porter and seized by police as evidence.
Oct. 22: Porter's case is moved to trial court and he is ordered to be held in jail without bond.
