Photo credit: AP/Javier Arciga.
Kim Melvin Hill and Tonya Mitchell have expressed their bewilderment on Wednesday over the brutal murder of their octogenarian parents, Major Melvin, 89, and Claudette Melvin, 85, within their Fort Lauderdale home. Appearing before reporters, they struggled to comprehend why anyone would perpetrate such an act.
The sisters, who are the youngest among 11 siblings, sought answers and justice in front of a barrage of TV cameras. Their questions linger: Why were their parents killed? Who could have committed such a heinous act? And where might the perpetrator or perpetrators be now?
“We’re angry. We’re very angry,” Hill articulated, grappling with the tragedy that unfolded on March 22. “We ask those questions, but we are Christian people as well … so I can’t put my mind that way because if you believe in God, he has your time, your place and how.”
Her sister, Mitchell, adopted a more direct tone, denouncing the perpetrator as a “maggot.”
The case has garnered significant attention in South Florida, prompting Fort Lauderdale police to issue a nationwide alert for the couple’s stolen red 2014 Ford Focus, bearing Florida license plate [number].
Homicide Sergeant Donald Geiger, speaking on Wednesday, refrained from divulging specific details of the incident but indicated that there is no evidence suggesting the car has left the area. However, he declined to confirm whether it had been spotted by automated license plate readers following the slayings.
Mitchell previously disclosed to reporters that their father was shot while asleep on the living room couch, followed by their mother as she emerged from the bedroom. The perpetrator, according to Mitchell, left behind their mother’s purse and other valuables. Claudette Melvin’s brother, who has special needs, was present in the house but remained unharmed and unable to provide any information.
A $5,000 reward has been announced for any information leading to the arrest of a suspect.
The Melvins, married for 60 years, shared a deep bond. Major Melvin, a retired backhoe operator, and Claudette, who worked in hospital housekeeping, left behind a legacy of love and care, evidenced by their 28 grandchildren.
“They were the most loving people I have ever known,” Hill tearfully reflected. “They lived in that area for (50) years and whoever this perpetrator is needs to …” Her voice trailed off as tears overtook her.
“They didn’t deserve this,” her sister added solemnly.
Credit: The Associated Press.
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