FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Family members continued to plead with the public for answers after a couple in their 80s were shot and killed in their Fort Lauderdale home. Police are still searching for clues in the double murder.
On Wednesday, Fort Lauderdale Police held a press conference with those family members.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, on March 22, 89-year-old Major Melvin and 87-year-old Claudette Melvin were shot to death at their home in Melrose Park.
The suspect or suspects, then left the scene in the couple’s 2014 Ford Fusion. The car remains missing as police hope to find it.
“I have the photo here of the vehicle. It’s a red Ford Fusion, it’s a 2023,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Sgt. Donald Geiger. “We’re looking at several leads right now. It’s very distinct that it has side damage on the left driver’s side, rear door, and we also have some damage on the right rear bumper.
“Angry. I’m so numb I can’t feel, yes. We’re angry,” said Kim Melvin Hill, daughter of the couple. “We’re angry. We’re very angry. We still trying to wrap our minds about how can we, who would, who did, why?”
911 calls of the incident were released by police on March 28.
“My brother just called me. I don’t have my car, I can’t get over there,” Hill is heard saying to a dispatcher.
A family member was sleeping in the back bedroom of the Melvins’ home of 50 years when they woke up to shots being fired. In a panic, the family member called his sister, who then called police.
“My parents were married for 60 years. My mom and dad worked here, they raised their grandchildren in that house,” said Hill.
The family told 7News that Major had $500 in his pocket and his wife had $400 in her bag but the killer did not walk away with the money.
They believe the person or people behind the murder came in through the front door when they first saw Major and then turning the gun on Claudette.
“They shot him point blank with a nine-millimeter,” said Tonya Mitchell, the daughter of the couple. “She was shot as well, in the chest, and she fell back.”
Family members described the elderly victims.
“They were the most loving people that I’ve ever known. Both caring and whoever this perpetrator is, he just needs to be found,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell pleaded with the public to help her find the person behind the murder of her parents.
“If you have any information on the car, any information on this maggot, that was the individual,” said Mitchell. “We’re asking the public, the media, please help us. We just want our closure. As to why, they didn’t deserve this.”
If you have any information on these deaths that could help investigators, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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