(CNN)Five years ago, the McStays were living the California dream. The family had moved into a new home in Fallbrook, and Joseph McStay's business was taking off. He had started a company called Earth Inspired Products that sold waterfalls, and online orders were strong. McStay connected with Chase Merritt, who manufactured custom indoor waterfalls. The two quickly bonded. "We talked constantly. ... He came down and had dinner with me and my family once or twice a week virtually every week," Merritt told CNN's Randi Kaye. "Joseph was my best friend." It's a surprising statement considering where Merritt is now -- behind bars, charged with murder in the deaths of McStay; his wife, Summer; and their two small children, Gianni and Joseph Jr.
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Chase Merritt has pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder
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Bodies of McStay family were found in the desert in 2013
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Prior to his arrest, Merritt shared his story with CNN's Randi Kaye
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