Man Indicted In The Murder Of 2 Missing Elkton Teens
ELKTON, Md. (WJZ) -- Police now say two Cecil County teenagers missing for more than six months are dead--even though their bodies have not been found. A man is now charged with their murders.
Derek Valcourt speaks with heartbroken loved ones about this tragic development.
Police won't say how they know the boys are dead, but they say they know who the killer is.
Theresa Dill had hoped she would one day see 16-year-old Jesse Veasey Jr. again. The boy who'd become a second son to her disappeared back in August.
One day later, 19-year-old Ricardo Levenberry vanished as well.
Police now say those boys were murdered by 30-year-old Donald Ray Bennett, who lived in the same neighborhood.
"Part of me is relieved, but then there's just so much of not knowing where these boys are that I just can't express," Dill said. "I'm lost."
Both boys disappeared on the same road 18 hours apart form each other. Each of them last seen getting into a car police say was driven by Don Bennett.
The news has spread fast in the close-knit Hollingsworth Manor community, where almost everyone knew the missing boys.
"If it was murder, I'd like to see them get the guy who did it," said James Cameron.
"It just bothers me. It breaks my heart," said Angel Lloyd.
"I don't understand. I just wish they'd find their bodies so the parents can at least get peace," Amy O'Neal.
Family and friends are clinging to hope that the teens' remains will be found and demanding Bennett be held accountable.
"Valcourt: "How do you feel about his guy Don Bennett?"
Dill: "I just hope he's ready for the heat of hell. It's a shame that Maryland no longer has the death penalty because I'd want nothing less."
Elkton police and the Cecil County State's Attorney's Office are refusing to say anything more, saying it is their policy not to comment on active cases.
Bennett is already serving three years in jail in connection with an unrelated burglary case.
Anyone with information about the case should call Sgt. Andrew Tuer at 410-398-420 ext. 35 or email atuer@elktonpd.org.
