Accused killer didn't want attorney

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A man accused of killing two women was arraigned in Norfolk Wednesday morning and told the judge he didn’t want an attorney.

While Graves stated he did not want an attorney, the judge said he would receive a court-appointed one due to the severity of the crimes.

Graves is also accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend Mandi Myers to death in her Virginia Beach apartment. One day after his arrest, the body of Phylicia Robinson was found in a closet inside Graves’ Norfolk home.

Graves and Robinson lived next door to each other. He was then charged with her murder.

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office says Graves could face the death penalty for his two murder charges. State law says anyone who is charged with the murder of two or more people within a three year period can be charged with capital murder.

Robinson's sister Sharniqua Scott said her family is haunted about how close they were to Robinson's accused killer.

Scott said from the day Phylicia went missing, Graves approached the family showing concern and even asking about Phylicia's whereabouts.

"Actually he would ask my family day in and day out, 'Have we heard anything? Have we seen her? That gave us false hope,'" Scott said.

Robinson's family is hoping her death will motivate other people with missing loved to never stop looking.

"We knew something wasn't right," Scott said. "Anybody out there, please push to get the word out there. Search, don't give up, find your loved one. don't give up."

Robinson's family says they were expecting to hear the cause of her death this week. The Medical Examiner's Office says they are waiting on toxicology reports which can take weeks.

Graves’ next court date in Norfolk is scheduled for Jan. 29. He is scheduled to appear in Virginia Beach General District Court Dec. 14.