Autopsy reports on a slain Florida couple known for adopting disabled children show that they both were shot multiple times in the bedroom during a home-invasion robbery. Byrd and Melanie Billings were killed in their Beulah home July 9.Eight people have been arrested in connection with their deaths and four of them face the death penalty.
Investigators have considered the commando-style invasion of the Billings' home by men dressed in ninja clothing too elaborate for a simple home burglary. They suspected there was more to the case than robbery. The autopsy reports may add to that suspicion.
Overkill for a Burglary?
Byrd Billings was shot three times in the head and once in each leg, according to the autopsy. Melanie was shot twice in the head and twice in the chest. The shootings suggest "overkill" for a simple home burglary, police say.
Facing the death penalty are Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 35, the alleged ring leader (pictured above); Donnie Ray Stallworth, 28; Wayne Thomas Coldiron, 41; and Frederick Lee Thornton Jr., 19.
All defendants have entered not guilty pleas, including Gary Lamont Sumner Jr., 30 and Rakeem Florence, 16. Pamela Laverne Long Wiggins has been charged as an accessory to the crime.
See Also:
Billings Autopsy Reports Released
Background:
The Deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings
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Discuss The Billings Case
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Photo: Mug Shot
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