Billings murder is unfolding as a major and very tragic story

[grantcart]

A day laborer was arrested earlier in the killing of the wealthy couple that dedicated themselves to helping children in need. A few hours later two more were arrested.

This appears to be the begining of a very tragic and sad story:

Here is some background on the family

picture here http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=DP&Date=20090710&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=907100342&Ref=AR

The Billings family was profiled in the News Journal on Christmas Day 2005. At the time, they were parents of 16 children, 12 of whom were adopted. There were eight adopted children in the home at the time of the shootings, and none was harmed, Morgan said.

Several of the children are disabled, and Morgan said they are being cared for by family members.



story referred to is here: http://www.pnj.com/article/20090710/NEWS01/907100342



Video and pictures of the van that led to the arrest is here:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/907120325/1006/NEWS01


This is from the AP as quoted at HP:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/12/byrd-and-melanie-billings_0_n_230271.html

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Two men were held late Sunday on open murder charges in the slaying of a wealthy Florida Panhandle couple known for adopting children with developmental disabilities.

Day laborer Wayne Coldiron turned himself in to Escambia County authorities and Leonard P. Gonzalez Jr. was arrested in neighboring Santa Rosa County, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said.

Earlier Sunday, 56-year-old Leonard P. Gonzalez Sr. was charged with evidence tampering. Police said he tried to paint over and hide damage on a red van that was spotted on surveillance video leaving the home where Byrd and Melanie Billings were shot to death Thursday while eight of their children slept.

Coldiron, who was known to work with area car dealers, was friends with the elder Gonzalez, Morgan said.

More arrests are expected.

The Billings were killed in their spacious, nine-bedroom home in a rural area west of Pensacola near the Alabama state line. The house had an extensive surveillance system that authorities said captured three apparently experienced criminals swiftly slipping into the house before leaving and driving off in the red van. Tips from the public led police to the van Saturday.

Morgan said the investigation involves a complex web of relationships between suspects, though he declined to elaborate on them. He said it did not appear that the suspects knew the victims, though the companies the Billingses owned included a used car dealership.

"We are very anxious to share this story ... it's going to be a humdinger, I'll tell you that," he said earlier in the day.