Man Charged in “Mercy Killings” of Wife, Sister

A man was arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of his wife and sister

A Santa Clarita man was charged on Friday with murder in the so-called "mercy killings" of his ailing wife and sister, prosecutors said.

Lance Anderson, 60, appeared briefly in a Los Angeles courtroom where he was charged with two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders and a special allegation of intentional discharge of a firearm with great bodily injury, prosecutors said.

READ: Alleged "Mercy Kill" Gunman ID'd

He did not enter a plea and was ordered back to court on Jan. 13. During the hearing he appeared to mouth the words, "I love you" to a camera in the courtroom.

WATCH: New Details in Alleged "Mercy Killing" at Convalescent Home

"Mr. Anderson, we'll see you in court at 8:30 a.m. on January 13," the judge said. To this, Anderson replied, "If that's what you need, sir."

Prosecutors revealed in court that Anderson was carrying more than $1,000 in cash with him when he was arrested. Officials have not said why he had the money.

Anderson was arrested Wednesday after allegedly shooting his 68-year-old wife at their Santa Clarita home and then shooting his sister, identified as Lisa Nave, 58, in the head as she lay invalid in her bed at a North Hills nursing home.

If convicted as charged, Anderson faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The nursing home shooting happened about 9:20 a.m. when authorities responded to the Country Villa Sheraton Convalescent and Rehabilitation Hospital at 9655 Sepulveda Blvd.

The shooting death of Anderson's wife was uncovered when police said they received a call from family members who were concerned about her well being.

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