David Scott Pettit, aged 59, and his wife Janet Pettit, also 59, were found dead in their Modesto, California home on August 8, 2013. The discovery was made after firefighters responded to a blaze at their residence in the early hours of the morning. Initially, the fire seemed accidental, but further investigation revealed a much darker reality. Both David and Janet had been shot multiple times before the fire was set intentionally to cover up the crime.
David was shot five times, including twice in the head, while Janet was shot twice, once in the head and once in the thigh. Accelerants were found on their clothing and furniture, confirming the fire was deliberately started after their deaths.
The investigation quickly turned towards their son, Brandon Pettit, who was 25 years old at the time. Brandon, who had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and had a history of struggling to maintain employment, was living with his parents. On the night of the murders, Brandon was working a night shift as a security guard. Despite his alibi, police suspected Brandon had conspired with his friend, Felix Valverde III, to commit the murders. Felix, who was 26 years old, was believed to have carried out the shootings and set the fire. The motive suggested by the police was financial gain, as Brandon stood to inherit his parents' life insurance and other assets.
Both Brandon and Felix were arrested and charged with premeditated murder, arson, and burglary. The case against Brandon was built on circumstantial evidence, including his previous thefts from his parents and his communication with Felix on the night of the murders. Additionally, items belonging to David and Janet, such as their wallets and house keys, were found in Felix's possession. Despite Brandon's defense arguing that his behavior and statements were influenced by his Asperger's syndrome, he was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in September 2020 and sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole in February 2021.
However, the legal proceedings did not end there. In October 2022, Brandon's conviction was overturned by the California Court of Appeal due to a Miranda violation, which meant his statements to the police should not have been admitted at trial. The prosecution announced plans to retry the case, maintaining their belief in Brandon's guilt. This ongoing legal battle has left the community and the Pettit family in a state of uncertainty, with Brandon's sister, Lauren Pettit, continuing to assert her brother's innocence and fight for his release.
