A pre-trial was held Friday for a Peekskill man charged with the murders of his mother and step-father.

Police say Jason Bethea, 32, allegedly beat and strangled his mother, Cathy Asero, and her husband, Thomas, both 51. Their bodies were found in their Lindberg Avenue home Saturday covered in dirt, grime and a large amount of blood. Officials say Bethea set the house on fire after he murdered the couple.

Charles Horne, Bethea?s grandfather, testified that on the day police came to arrest his grandson, Horne asked Bethea if he was in trouble. He said Bethea answered, ?I think I am, grandpa.?

Bethea silently wept in the defendant?s chair as prosecutors presented their evidence against him.

The case is set to go before a grand jury.