ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. (WVEC) -- Two alleged killers faced a judge Thursday after two people were found dead inside their Smithfield Home.
29-year-old Kareem Jamar Mitchell, and 19-year-old Richard Alexander Holmes appeared before a judge for a scheduled preliminary and bond hearing, Thursday.
Both are each charged with:
- Two counts of Murder
- Two counts of Use of a Firearm while Committing Murder
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Burglary of a dwelling, in the nighttime with Intent to Commit Murder
- Grand Larceny
The Sheriff's Office said that on September 23, deputies were called to the 4000 block of Ennisdale Dr. for a residential burglary.
Sheriff Mark A. Marshall said family members became concerned when they had not heard from 80-year-old Nancy Starnes and her son, 58-year-old Kenneth Starnes. The contacted deputies after they went to the home and saw what appeared to be a forced entry into the residence.
Sheriff Marshall called it a "brutal slaying" and described the crime scene as "gruesome."
Mitchell's attorney withdrew his request for bond and did not state why.
Holmes' attorney argued Holmes should be released. Holmes mother, Ms. Baker appeared in court, stating her son would stay with her in Newport News and said she would drive him to court.
Holmes' attorney tried to reassure the judge that Holmes wasn't a flight risk, however the Commonwealth's Attorney argued against his release, saying he had felonies out in Chesapeake and Norfolk. The judge agreed and Holmes was denied bond.
A third person involved in the case, Sharon Galvin, appeared in court today for three charges including obstructing justice, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to sell property.
According to court documents, Galvin lived with Mitchell and Holmes. The Starnes’ stolen TV was found in her room.
The preliminary hearings for Holmes and Mitchell were rescheduled for February 8 because attorneys are awaiting lab analyses including ballistic reports and several DNA swabbing. Both of their attorneys had no comment.