"St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston has positively identified the two people found dead in Big Branch yesterday," spokesman James Hartman said in a news release. They are:
Qile Sanders, 21, of 192 Golden Meadow Dr., CovingtonSylvanus Ellis III, 20, of 70417 8th St., Covington.
Sanders posted a picture to her social media less than a week ago showing she was pregnant. People have been posting condolences to her page.
Ellis III was arrested less than two years ago for a string of gun and drug charges:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I - Felony (3-Counts)
- Distribution of Schedule II - Felony
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule IV - Felony
- Illegal Carrying of a Firearm - Felony
- Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number - Felony
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Misdemeanor
Investigators have released few details.
In a news release, Sgt. Suzanne Carboni never used the word murder to describe the incident.
"The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two bodies were located Saturday (July 18) inside a vehicle in the Big Branch area near Lacombe," she wrote. "At approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 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."
She says arriving deputies observed what appeared to be gunshot wounds on both individuals.
"Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office responded and are investigating."
Carboni did not share anything further.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information will be provided at this time."
