Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Clifton Couple Waives Right To Preliminary Hearing
A Clifton couple charged in connection with the death of their son’s fiancé opted to have their case passed along to a grand jury rather than appear for a preliminary hearing in Wayne County General Sessions Court Monday.
Steven Ray Beersdorf, Sr., 46, and wife Sylvia, 43, were slated to appear for a preliminary hearing before Judge James Ross Monday. After meeting with their attorneys, however, both opted to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.
The Beersdorfs are charged with one count of first degree murder apiece in connection with the January death of their son’s fiancé, Rose Goggins, age 21. Goggins and her eleven month old son resided with the Beersdorfs inside their Beech Grove area home, near Clifton.
The Beersdorfs reported Goggins missing on January 16, informing authorities that she had gone missing two days prior while en route to an EMT class at the Lawrenceburg campus of Columbia State Community College. Goggins’ car was found abandoned and burned on a remote logging road in McNairy County. The Beersdorfs were arrested on January 21.
At this point prosecutors are preparing to present evidence in the case to a Wayne County Grand Jury. That panel will then determine whether further legal action is warranted.
The Beersdorfs remain incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail. Steven Beersdorf is represented by Lawrenceburg attorney Mike Harris.
Although possible human remains were discovered on the Beersdorf’s property on January 28, officials indicate the remains have not been confirmed to be those of Goggins. In addition, they report that results of a search conducted on the property have been sealed under orders from Judge Ross.
At the time of her disappearance Goggins’ fiancé, Steven Beerrsdorf, Jr., was stationed at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, awaiting deployment to Iraq.
The couple’s son currently remains in foster care under the authority of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
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