On March 22, 2024, Major Melvin, 89, and his wife Claudette Melvin, 87, were found shot and killed in their home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The couple, who had lived in their Melrose Park home for over 50 years, were discovered by family members. Claudette was found in the dining room, and Major was found in the living room, both with gunshot wounds. No guns were found at the scene.
The investigation revealed that the Melvins' 2014 red Ford Fusion was missing, along with the car keys that were normally hung on a kitchen key holder. Security video showed an unidentified vehicle arriving at the Melvins' home just before 1 a.m. on the day of the murder. The footage captured an unidentified driver stepping out of the vehicle, opening the back passenger door, and then walking towards the Melvins' home. Minutes later, the man returned to his car and drove off. About two hours later, the lights on the Melvins' car turned on, and the vehicle drove away in the same direction as the suspect's vehicle.
The Melvins' car was later found on April 4 in the area of 600 W. Oakland Park Boulevard in Wilton Manors. A tow truck driver reported receiving a text message about a 2012 Ford Fusion (later identified as the Melvins' 2014 model due to distinctive damage and bumper stickers) that needed to be picked up.
Jalisa Hill, the 38-year-old granddaughter of the Melvins, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. Her boyfriend, Maurice Anthony Newsom, 30, had been arrested earlier and also charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm. Newsom was previously arrested in May for stealing the Melvins' car and attempting to sell it.
The family expressed shock and anger over the murders, with Kim Hill, the couple's daughter and Jalisa’s mother, struggling to comprehend the events. The case highlights a tragic and unexpected turn of events involving a family member in the murder of the elderly couple.
