On March 22, 2024, Claudette Melvin, 87, and her husband Major Melvin, 89, were found shot to death in their home in the 600 block of Southwest 30th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The bodies were discovered by a family member with a mental disability, who had been staying at the house. He found Claudette in the dining room and immediately called his sister, reporting an emergency. When questioned, he stated that he did not hear any gunshots or loud noises before finding the bodies.
The investigation revealed that the Melvins' 2014 red Ford Fusion was missing from the home, along with the car keys. The vehicle was later found in a tow yard after a Fort Lauderdale Police officer was flagged down by a man who reported seeing the car in the area of 600 W. Oakland Park Boulevard in Wilton Manors. Police confirmed the identity of the car through its distinctive damage and bumper stickers.
Maurice Anthony Newsom, 30, who was romantically involved with the Melvins' granddaughter, Jalisa Hill, was arrested in May for stealing and selling the Melvins' car. He was initially charged with theft of a motor vehicle and dealing in stolen property. However, further investigation led to his arrest on August 27, 2024, for two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm in connection with the Melvins' deaths.
Jalisa Hill, 38, the granddaughter of the victims, was also arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her grandparents. Police believe she worked with Maurice Newson to commit the murders. The arrests came after a thorough investigation, including the analysis of evidence such as paperwork, a cable router, and 9mm shell casings found at the crime scene.
The family expressed deep grief and outrage over the murders, with the victims' son, Dennis J. Parker, condemning the actions of the suspects and hoping for justice. Parker also hinted at the possibility of other family members being involved, though this has not been confirmed by the authorities.
