By Detective Ali Adamson
Public Information Officer
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) has been investigating a double homicide that occurred on Friday, March 22nd, at approximately 7:24 p.m. This incident occurred at 690 SW 30th Terrace, in the City of Fort Lauderdale.
FLPD responded to the location after receiving a 911 call of an emergency at the home. Upon arrival, officers discovered an elderly couple dead. The victims, an adult male and adult female, were identified as Major (B/M, DOB 12/31/34) and Claudette (B/F, DOB 5/9/38) Melvin.
While the preliminary investigation was underway, detectives learned the victims’ vehicle, a 2014 red Ford Fusion, was missing from their residence. FLPD hosted a news conference on April 3rd to ask for the public’s help in locating the vehicle, as well as their assistance with gathering information related to the suspect(s) responsible for the murders.
In May, detectives located the couple’s vehicle at a tow yard. Throughout their investigation, detectives were able to identify Maurice Newson, B/M, DOB 11/09/1993, a resident of Hollywood, FL, as the suspect responsible for selling the vehicle to the tow yard. On May 23rd, detectives located and arrested Newson, who was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and dealing in stolen property.
After Newson’s arrest, detectives continued to diligently investigate the case to determine if he had any further involvement in the murders of the Melvins. On August 26th, detectives were able to obtain probable cause for an arrest warrant for Newson. Newson was located and arrested on August 27th. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm.
The investigation remains on-going to determine if any other suspects were involved in the murders. Detectives continue to urge anyone with information about this incident, or the suspect(s) responsible, to contact Detective Leann Swisher at (954) 828-4007, the Homicide Tipline at (954) 828-6677, or remain anonymous by contacting Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS. Additionally, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in providing tips on this case thus far.
