CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Update, Sept. 18: Two suspects have been named in a Franklin County murder investigation.
According to the Chambersburg Police Department, Kainpest Hilaire, 27, and Steven Thomas, 41, arrived in the area of the victim's home earlier on the day of his murder in a blue BMW.
The vehicle's registration came back registered to Thomas, according to police.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers searched the home Thomas and Hilaire were detained in. Officers reportedly found ammunition with a gun box in a black bag in the attic crawlspace. There was also a Ruger LCP located in the same area along with a loaded magazine.
Officers reportedly found multiple pieces of clothing covered in bleach that were placed in the washing machine prior to or during the attempt to execute the search warrant. Among the clothes was a pair of black pants matching those worn by Hilaire on the security video. The pants also allegedly held Hilaire's ID.
There were also multiple white T-shirts recovered from the house that appeared to be stained with blood.
Both Thomas and Hilaire have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, burglary and tampering with evidence.
According to the affidavit, Hilaire at first denied knowing the victim or anything about the shooting, but later admitted to knowing the victim and the victim's girlfriend. He also allegedly admitted to being with Thomas earlier in the evening but continued to deny entering the apartment even though he was captured on security cameras.
Previously: Two "persons of interest" have been arrested in connection to a homicide investigation.
According to the Chambersburg Police Department, on Monday, Sept. 16 at 10:57 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of Lincoln Way West for a deceased male.
At the scene, officers located a deceased 22-year-old man lying inside an apartment building. The victim was found with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and other injuries consistent with a physical assault, according to police.
Chambersburg Police detectives were called in to investigate. As officers began speaking with residents in the area, detectives began reviewing any available video footage.
While reviewing the footage, detectives were able to identify a dark blue BMW SUV that had left the area. They were also able to spot two men on video.
The SUV was tracked to the area of Woodstock Road, where it was last spotted heading east.
A Pennsylvania registration was obtained for the SUV. As the investigation continued, a person of interest was identified and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle's owner.
The Chambersburg Police Department issued a warning just after 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 17 to avoid the area as Pennsylvania State Police SERT assisted police with serving the warrant.
During the execution of the search warrant, two individuals were located and are now persons of interest in the case. Both has been detained for further questioning, according to police.
According to the Chambersburg Police Department, this was a targeted act of violence and the general public is not in danger. Tipsters have been asked to contact the Chambersburg Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 717-264-4131 or by submitting a tip through CRIMEWATCH.
