Authorities in St. Maarten say they have arrested a man in connection with the slaying of an American couple at the Ocean Club Resort in Cupecoy. Prosecutor General Taco Stein said the suspect’s name will not be released until the initial investigation is complete. The man reportedly works for a security company in the Dutch Caribbean territory.
"We hope to arraign him before a judge on Tuesday if we have sufficient evidence," Stein said.
"It's too early to reveal any more details because we are in the early stages of the investigation," he added.
The victims have been identified as Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina. Their bodies were found inside their Ocean Club condo last Friday. Both appear to have died from stab wounds. Michael King, 53, was found draped over a chair while Thelma, 57, was found tied to another chair.
"St. Maarten is and will always be a nation that is close-knit and where people from all over the world come to visit and live. Therefore I am in deep distress upon learning about the horrible acts which have tainted our country," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the couple found murdered.”
The Kings owned a restaurant in St. Maarten and a sports bar in South Carolina. They were also reportedly starting a rum distribution company in St. Maarten.
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