St. Tammany authorities today announce the arrests of two men in the murder of a couple on the Northshore and the killing of their unborn baby.
"Two Lacombe men have been arrested and two more are wanted in the double homicide that occurred in the Big Branch area over the weekend," Sergeant Suzanne Carboni said in a news release.
It comes after pregnant 21-year-old Qile Sanders and her boyfriend 20-year-old Sylvanus "Jed" Ellis III were both found shot dead in a vehicle near Lacombe.
"At approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday (July 18), a passerby contacted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office after observing an SUV parked on Bremerman Road with what appeared to be two deceased individuals inside," Carboni explained. "Upon arrival at the scene, deputies observed the bodies of a male and a pregnant female inside the vehicle. Both individuals had sustained gunshot wounds."
Ellis' sister told WWL First News that the couple was thrilled to be expecting a son.
"It is just so unreal to happen to him because he had so much in life that was starting to go well for him," Muirielle Obando said about her little brother. "I just want justice for Jed, for Qile and for the baby."
“This kind of violent crime will not be tolerated in St. Tammany Parish,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “I applaud the detectives with our Major Crimes Unit who worked literally around the clock to identify the individuals responsible for these murders. Our detectives will continue to work tirelessly to locate the remaining two individuals wanted in this case in or to bring closure for the families.”
Ellis was arrested two years ago on a series of drug and gun charges. He spent time in jail.
