Months after an elderly couple was found brutally murdered in their Fort Lauderdale home, police have arrested the man who they believe is responsible.
Maurice Newson, 30, is facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm in the deaths of Major and Claudette Melvin, Fort Lauderdale Police officials said Tuesday.
“If you killed my parents, then you’re going to pay for it, and I hope you pay for it in hell," said Dennis J. Parker, the victims' son.
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The husband and wife, who were 89 and 85 years old, were found shot to death inside their home in the 600 block of Southwest 30th Terrace back on March 22.
Their vehicle, a 2014 red Ford Fusion, was missing but was later found in a tow yard.
Newson was arrested on May 23 after it was determined he'd stolen and sold the car to the tow yard, police said.
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Newson was known to the family, having dated one of the couple’s granddaughters, family members said.
Police continued to investigate the murders and have now arrested Newson in the killings.
Newson was found and arrested on Tuesday.
“My parents was real nice to Maurice," Parker said. "He let Maurice come in the house and he fed him, and I just can’t understand how the grim reaper – that’s what he was – come in and murder my parents.”
Police said they're still investigating the killings and working to determine if any other suspects were involved in the murders.
“We’ve been through tragedy. Major, my stepfather, he was my mentor, the one I got my Christian knowledge from," Parker said. "For someone to come in there and kill him, he was 89 and my mom was 87, c’mon. You don’t kill angels and think you’re getting away with it.”
Police said the couple’s granddaughter was untruthful in May when they questioned her about whether she was involved in the crime.
Parker suspects multiple family members.
“I think there’s a little something going on that’s going to come to the light. It’s just a matter of time," he said. "And when it does, you’re going to burn in hell. If my sister has something to do with it, I want her to be charged with it also.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 954-828-4007.
