Guatay

Bail of $1 million was set Thursday for three people charged with murder in a twin slaying.

Alan Dale Mummert, 44; Xenia Rae King, 44, and her son, Derek Jason McGee, 22, entered pleas of not guilty in San Diego Municipal Court.

They are accused of killing Dallas Underwood, 25, and Howard Ross, 31, whose bodies were found March 18, 1990, along Lyons Valley Road in Alpine.

McGee was arrested Wednesday at his home in Spring Valley. His mother and Mummert were taken into custody at a wrecking yard. Sheriff’s deputies made the arrests after a judge issued a warrant.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Elizabeth Porterfield said Ross was stabbed 16 times and Underwood five. Both men, believed killed March 15, 1990, were beaten with towing chains, Porterfield said.

The prosecutor declined comment on the motive for the slayings, other than to say it stemmed from a dispute.

“Special circumstances are being considered,” said Porterfield, explaining the grounds would be murder during a robbery and murder during torture.

Ross and Underwood were believed killed in Ross’ back yard on Old Highway 80 in Guatay.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 24 and a bail review for Tuesday.