The horrible reality is sinking in for two Westland families. They got word Saturday from the Medical Examiner, two bodies found in Detroit are their missing loved ones. Two suspects caught with the victims' car were also in court Saturday. They face several charges, but so far no one is charged with the murders.
Click on the video player to watch Robin Schwartz's report.
After nearly a week of searching, praying and hoping for the best, devastating news for the families of Jacob Kudla, 18 and Jourdan Bobbish, 17. The Wayne County Medical Examiner confirms the two bodies found Friday in an overgrown field on Lyford were the two teens. Both victims were face down, shot in the head execution style. Their pants and shoes were missing. Family members made some brief comments Friday as they waited for a positive ID with the help of dental records.
"It's kind of a senseless thing to happen... we're all pretty distraught," they said. "I have a big support group -- that's all I can say," added Jacob's mother who was weak and visibly shaken.
As police continue to investigate the gruesome double-murder, two suspects Larry Anderson, 40 and Casey Green, 39, were charged with larceny, tampering with evidence, and obstruction of justice. Police caught them stripping the car the missing teens were driving the night they disappeared. Assistant Wayne County prosecutor Michael Harrison hinted the suspects may know more than they're letting on.
"They were spraying the exterior and the interior of the car down with a bleach solution," Harrison said. "That's highly unusual behavior for car thieves."
The prosecutor's office says both suspects are habitual offenders. Green has a previous history of bank robbery and weapons charges. Anderson has past convictions for home invasion and criminal sexual conduct. Bond for both was set at $250,000, an amount Anderson's attorney calls "too high." He says it was only set that way because of the double-murder.
"Everybody in the state of Michigan is concerned about those two young men. There isn't anyone whose heart doesn't go out to those two individuals. Everybody agrees to that," Marvin Barnett said. "This is not that case - and I don't think they were treated the way they should be treated. They were treated as persons who may have committed a murder."
The two suspects are due back in court Aug. 9. Detroit police are continuing to investigate the double murder.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
