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2 Arrested In Heinous Christmas Day Murder Of Mom, Kids And Female Partner
The victims had reportedly had their arms bound and their throats slit.
Shortly after Christmas, four bodies were discovered in the basement of a Troy, New York building. Police had originally withheld details of the murder, but slowly began releasing information about the deceased, who appeared to be a mother, her partner, and her two children. Police have since stressed the brutality of the killings. Now, according to People, two have been arrested in connection with the violent slaying.
James White, 38, Justin Mann, 24, have been apprehended by police. The two are from the nearby town of Schenectady and were charged with one count of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder. They were both arraigned in Troy City Court and are being held in the Rensselaer County Jail. It is not currently known how they will plead to the crime.
The victims names are Shanta Myers, 36, Brandi Mells, 22, Shanise Myers, 5, and Jeremiah Myers, 11.
“The outstanding work of the Troy Police Detectives with the help of the NYSP Major Crimes Unit and other units, NYS DOCCS (Parole), the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office and many other law enforcement partners led to these arrests,” Troy Police Captain Dan DeWolf said in a statement. “We also thank the public for all their tips and assistance in aiding in the investigation along with the media for the abundance of coverage they have provided . We appreciate all of the help and cooperation.”
"We feel confident at this point that there will be no further arrests, but it is certainly open as we continue" the investigation, Troy Police Chief John Tedesco added.
Police had previously hinted that the murder had likely been pre-meditated: “There are indications at the crime scene that this was not a random act,” said Troy Police Chief James Tedesco.
No information was revealed on how the suspects were caught. The men were taken into custody without incident, according to NBC.
The victims had reportedly had their arms bound and their throats slit.
"I'm going to keep the killers in my prayers as well," said Sharonda Bennett, a cousin of the victims. "I'm not going to be wishing death on them or anything. Death is too easy for them. I want them to know the pain and suffering they have caused (on) Brandi's and Shanta's families."
[Photo: Troy Police Department]
