A Bethel man charged with killing his own brother pleaded not guilty to murder charges Wednesday.

The prosecutor says Matthew O'Dell shot his brother in the head four times from a close range.

Police say the mother of the victim got home from work Monday night and thought her son had turned the gun on himself, but officers quickly determined the case was a homicide.

Police in New Milford arrested O'Dell on unrelated charges, including threatening and carrying an illegal firearm.

Capt. Stephen Pugner said they aren't aware of prior problems between the brothers, but when Matthew O'Dell didn't show up to work Monday, it tipped them off that he might be involved in his brother's death.

In court, attorneys said O'Dell has mental health and medical issues.

Neighbors along Apollo Road say the brother who was killed is named Richard O'Dell and that they called him Rick. They say Rick O'Dell is a couple years older than his brother, Matthew O'Dell.

Police say the brothers lived in the house on Apollo Road with their mother.

Matthew O'Dell's bond is set at $1 million. He is due back in court Nov. 22.

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