Paul Belding, 27, appeared before Associate Judge Rebecca Spencer Friday morning. Belding is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Richard Gray, 77, of St Joseph June 18. Police say Gray was seriously injured trying to prevent Belding from stealing his van from the U.S. Oil convenience store at 22nd and Messanie. He died later at Mosaic Life Care.
Judge Spencer scheduled a preliminary hearing July 8. Bail was set earlier at $150,000 cash. Belding remains in custody in the Buchanan County Jail.