A California man charged with killing his business associate, the man's wife and two small children owed $30,000 to the victim and had other debts, authorities said in records released Wednesday. Victim Joseph McStay lent defendant Charles 'Chase' Merritt money to cover a gambling debt before McStay, his wife and his 3- and 4-year-old sons disappeared in February 2010, according to newly unsealed court documents filed by San Bernardino County sheriff's investigators. Merritt also owed more than $20,000 in back taxes. A third business associate, Daniel Kavanaugh, also told investigators that McStay, who owned a decorative water fountain business, planned to fire Merritt.Charles 'Chase' Merritt is charged with killing his business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer and the couple's two young sonsHe has pleaded not guilty to murder charges involving the familyMerritt owed Joseph McStay $30,000, court documents sayMcStay lent Merritt money to cover a gambling debt before McStay, his wife and his 3- and 4-year-old sons disappeared in February 2010The family's remains were found in 2013 in shallow desert graves in San Bernardino County, about 100 miles from their homeMore than $20,000 in back taxes was also owed by Merritt
They noted there were no signs of forced entry at the _' home in Fallbrook and no evidence of a struggle.