The man suspected of killing his parents and two sons last month in Santa Barbara County is scheduled to be in court for his arraignment this morning. 45-year-old Nicolas Holzer did not enter a plea during his last court appearance back on August 13.
Holzer faces four murder counts and one count of felony animal cruelty for killing the family dog.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office says Holzer called 9-1-1 the night of the murders around 11:00 p.m. and told the operator about the slayings. When deputies arrived, they say he met them at the front door and calmly admitted to to the murders.
Holzer was living with his boys at his parents home in an unincorporated part of the county near Goleta. He had obtained full custody of his sons following a divorce eight or nine years ago, according to the sheriff's department.
Sebastian Holzer was a student at La Colina Junior High and Vincent Holzer was a student at Foothill Elementary School located near the grandparent’s residence.