A St. Peter man charged with two counts of murder pleaded not guilty during an appearance in Fayette County Court on Wednesday. 24-year old Alexander R. Beccue made his first appearance with defense counsel Ed Deters who was entered as Beccue’s counsel on Friday. During the appearance, Beccue waived his right to a preliminary hearing and also waived formal arraignment. However, Deters did ask that though had waived formal arraignment, he asked that his client be arraigned as to the possible sentences for each of the four counts Beccue is charged with at this time. Judge Don Sheafor informed Beccue that he is charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and one count of Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon as well as the sentences that go along with each of those counts. Beccue and counsel Deters were also informed that a notice had been filed of the intention to seek extended term sentences for the possession of a stolen vehicle charge and the unlawful possession of a weapon charge. Assistant State’s Attorney also announced that due to the crimes being committed with a firearm, counts one and counts four could also have an additional 25 years added to the possible sentence. Beccue’s bond was set at $1 million dollars and he is currently in custody of Illinois Department of Corrections on a warrant for a parole violation. Sheafor did remand Beccue back to the custody of DOC after the completion of the hearing but did remind Beccue that should he be released from DOC, he would be required to come back to Fayette County to be held in custody in lieu of the $1 million bond. Due to a request from defense counsel to set out pre-trial in the case for 60 days as opposed to 30 days to give Deters time to become familiar with the case due to only being Beccue’s counsel for 5 days. The state agreed to going out 60 days as did Judge Sheafor so a pre-trial date of October 31 at 1pm is set for Beccue’s next appearance.