Watch CBS News

Perris Man To Be Tried For Murder Of Wife, Girl

RIVERSIDE (AP) — A Riverside County man has been ordered to stand trial for the murder of his wife and her 6-year-old daughter.

The district attorney's office said Tuesday that Michael Barbar of Perris will stand trial on two counts of murder with special circumstances that make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors allege that in November 2009, Barbar gave his two teen stepchildren money to stay out late then waited until his wife Maysam Barbar and her daughter Tamara went to bed before killing them.

Barbar was arrested in New Mexico the next day and returned to California.

Authorities have not revealed how or why the victims were killed.

Barbar has pleaded not guilty.

© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.