TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Pair Arrested In Slaying Of Honeymooning Couple

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: August 19, 2008

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - A man and a teenager from Antigua were charged Monday in the killing of a British couple on their honeymoon, officials in the Caribbean island nation said.

Kaniel Martin, 20, and Avie Howell, 17, appeared before a judge in the capital, St. John's, on charges of murder, robbery and receiving stolen property. They were ordered held without bail.

Neither suspect entered a plea to the charges, although Martin's attorney later said he would plead innocent.

"All I will say is that my client maintains his innocence," attorney Ralph Francis said.

Howell's attorney did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Benjamin and Catherine Mullany, both 31 and from Wales, were married on July 12 and went to Antigua for a two-week honeymoon. On July 27 - the day they were to leave - they were shot before dawn at the Cocos Hotel in the island's southwest.

Police have said robbery appeared to be a motive.

The slaying of the couple brought unwelcome negative publicity to Antigua and Barbuda, which is economically dependent on tourism.

Authorities brought in officers from Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation.

Police in Wales said they have informed the families of the slain couple of the latest developments.

"We are pleased at how the investigation is progressing," the families said in a statement.

Last week, two women linked to the attack were charged with robbery, obstruction of justice and receiving stolen property, namely a cell phone that belonged to the couple.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT