In a court appearance on Thursday, a 17-year-old boy, identified in court as R.I., pleaded not guilty to charges of killing four members of a neighboring family in central California. The teenager, whose name was withheld due to his age, was ordered to remain in custody while the legal proceedings continue.

The tragic incident took place in the small town of Reedley, located southwest of Fresno, where the teenager resided next door to the victims. The victims were identified as 81-year-old Billy Bond, his 61-year-old son Darrell Bond, Darrell's 44-year-old wife Guadalupe Bond, and their 43-year-old grandson Matthew Bond.

The bodies of Billy Bond, Darrell Bond, and Guadalupe Bond were discovered in the backyard of their residence on Saturday, with one body found buried in a shallow grave. Subsequently, authorities found the body of Matthew Bond in the detached garage of the teenager's residence on Tuesday, leading to his arrest.

While police have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the killings, they have mentioned that a safe inside the victims' home, containing guns and money, had been forcefully opened and emptied, which suggests a possible motive.

Prosecutors have filed a motion requesting that the 17-year-old be tried as an adult, which could result in a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole. Currently, if convicted on the four murder charges, the teenager would remain in juvenile hall until the age of 25.

During the court hearing, the teen's mother and several other relatives were present. The mother, along with her boyfriend, has been charged with being accessories after the fact to the killings but is currently free on bond.

As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities will continue their investigation into this tragic event that has shaken the community of Reedley. The next court date for the teenager is yet to be scheduled.