Surveillance at home of slain Florida couple captures video of swift crime

[forum_admin]

Sheriff: Surveillance at home of slain Fla. couple captures video of swift crime, getaway

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida couple killed in their home had an extensive surveillance system in the house that recorded three apparently experienced criminals swiftly slip into the house before driving off in a red van, police said.

Several tips from the public led investigators to a red, 15-passenger van Saturday morning that they believe was used as the getaway vehicle by the three men, believed to be in their "late teens on up," Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said. Authorities were questioning two people linked to the van, but no arrests have been made.

Byrd and Melanie Billings of Beulah, a rural area west of Pensacola near the Alabama state line, were found shot dead in their home Thursday evening. The couple, known for their large family of adopted children, had an extensive surveillance system in the house and Morgan said authorities have reviewed the tapes repeatedly. The couple was killed as the children slept.

"I will share this with you — I think we were surprised by the rapidity of the crime," Morgan said.

"It suggests experience to me."