Funeral for Murdered Florida Couple | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, July 17, 2009

After a week of in-depth investigation into the murder of Melanie and Byrd Billings, for their loved ones, the focus now turns to morning their passing. Their thoughts on a couple that devoted their lives to their 17 children, several of whom have severe disabilities.

"Their lives were cut way too short, but their legacy will live on," said Melanie Billing's Brother Dr. Ed Brock.

Authorities say the Florida couple was murdered in cold blood during a home invasion. In the days that followed seven men were charged with murder and a woman, Pamela Wiggins, was charged with accessory to murder after the fact.

Police say Wiggins' arrest yielded crucial evidence including the billings' safe they say was stolen at the time of the murders. The police report indicates it was recovered at one of Wiggins' homes. "We have located the safe, we have located several guns in various locations, one of which we believe is the murder weapon," said State Attorney Bill Eddins.

The report also said the guns used in the crime were stashed in Wiggins' red minivan. The vehicle is now in state custody.

While authorities said they believe the billings case is winding down, the sheriff told ABC News the entire story is yet to be told. "If I had determined to write a book, I would write about this. If I were a script writer I'd write about this," said Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan.

He also said more persons of interest may be detained including an individual they think may have been responsible for disabling the home's security system. It wasn't; allowing cameras to capture the brutal crime and investigators to capture those they believe are responsible.