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Man appears in Broward court, facing charges in killing of senior couple

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man accused in the murder of his former girlfriend’s grandparents appeared in Broward County court Wednesday, one day after his arrest.

Maurice Anthony Newson, 30, of Davie, is facing an obstruction charge, two first-degree premeditated murder charges and charges of robbery with a firearm along with resisting an officer.

A judge gave him no bond as he answered to the charges, which come in connection with the killings of Major and Claudette Melvin in Fort Lauderdale on March 22.

The octogenarians were found shot to death at their longtime home on Southwest 30th Street.

Following their murders, their red Ford Fusion was stolen from their driveway; it immediately became the center of the investigation.

Newson was accused of stealing it and selling it for $200.

The couple’s son, Dennis Parker, spoke to Local 10 News on Tuesday and said that his parents were very kind to Newson and treated him like family.

“I just can’t understand how the grim reaper, that’s what he was, (could) come in and murder my parents,” Parker said. “It ain’t over with, because they got him now and he’s going to sing like a mockingbird.”

Fort Lauderdale police said they are continuing to investigate whether any other people were involved in the Melvins’ murders.


About the Author

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.

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