SPRINGFIELD, Va. — The Fairfax County Police Department say they have arrested two suspects accused of murdering a married military couple in Virginia Wednesday morning.
The victims were identified as Edward McDaniel Jr., 55, and Brenda McDaniel, 63. Both were military physicians. Edward was an active duty colonel in the U.S. Army and Brenda was retired from the service, Law Officer reported. The McDaniel’s were shot and killed outside their home in Springfield Wednesday morning, police said.
According to Fox News, the suspects have been identified Ronnie Keandre Marshall, 20, and D’Angelo Strand, 19. Fairfax County Police Major Ed Carroll said the duo face eight felony charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of the use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
“Two distinguished military veterans were gunned down in their front yard,” Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Davis said at a news briefing Wednesday. “[They] served out community for many, many years. And they were shot and killed in cold blood in their own front yard.”
According to the Carroll, police received a tip, which led them to a vehicle connected to the double homicide. At the time, they arrested an unnamed individual who was described as a person of interest, Fox reported.
Although details were not provided, police eventually arrested the individuals they believe are responsible for the double murder.
“Thanks to the community, we got our offenders,” O’Carroll said.
Police previously said there had been a burglary call at the McDaniel’s home earlier in the week. They believed there was a nexus between the crimes.
Davis said Thursday that police were unsure of a concrete motive. However, they believed it had to do with a dispute stemming from the Monday incident. The suspects and a relative of the victims were co-workers, according to investigators. Authorities previously said one family member was home while the couple was murdered.
