Keith and Marco Yandle to spend Christmas behind bars as their lawyer negotiates with prosecutors

The father and son accused of murdering a man found “cowering” in their shed will spend Christmas behind bars as their lawyer negotiates with prosecutors.

The Kudla shed where, prosecutors allege, Steven Murphy was murdered and then buried. Picture: 7 NEWS

Lawyers for the father and son accused of murdering a “defenceless man” found “cowering” in their shed are negotiating with prosecutors, who have now consolidated their case against the duo, a court has heard.

On Tuesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court was asked to further postpone the case against Keith Yandle and his son, Marco – meaning both will spend Christmas remanded in custody.

That request came after prosecutors dropped several drugs and illegal firearms charges filed against Keith Yandle.

However, they said several other charges of the same nature would proceed alongside the murder charge filed against both men.

Keith Yandle. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Marco Yandle. Picture: Facebook

Keith, 46, and Marco, 19, have yet to plead to one count each of murder – they were arrested just days after Mr Murphy’s body was found in a 15m by 15m bunker.

Prosecutors have alleged Keith fired the fatal shots while Marco shone a torch on Mr Murphy, and that the incident was captured on CCTV.

Prosecutors subsequently seized control of the 2ha property at Kudla owned by Keith and his wife, Kathy – there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Mrs Yandle.

Steven Murphy has been remembered as a "beautiful dad" who would do anything for his two sons. Picture: Supplied

On Tuesday, prosecutors told the court they were dropping four drugs and firearms charges against Keith Yandle.

They said three allegations – cultivating a controlled plant for sale, aggravated possession of a firearm without a licence, and possessing ammunition without a licence – would be pursued alongside the murder charge.

Stephen Ey, for both men, said “negotiations have started” with prosecutors and asked a date be set for his clients to enter their pleas.

Keith and Marco Yandle were remanded in custody to face court, and answer the charges, in January.