Three people are wanted in connection with the deaths of two women found severely burned inside a Canton apartment Sunday, a case police are now investigating as a double homicide.
Canton police announced Tuesday that investigators determined 42-year-old Katina C. Spells of Canton and 31-year-old Kourtni D. Yeager of Massillon both suffered gunshot wounds.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant for 46-year-old Darrell Washington of Canton on charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson.
Detectives also identified two additional suspects: 43-year-old Eric R. Lamar of Canton and 41-year-old Melissa F. Terrell of Canton. Police said arrest warrants have been issued for both on charges of aggravated arson, tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.
All three remained wanted as of Tuesday morning, according to Canton police.
The latest development comes two days after Spells and Yeager were discovered inside an apartment at Skyline Terrace Apartments.
Canton police officers responded around 10 a.m. Sunday to 712 Alan Page Drive SE at the request of the Canton Fire Department, which was at the scene of a structure fire.
Firefighters searching the building found both women inside an apartment. Police initially said the women suffered severe burns and appeared to have wounds that were not associated with the fire. Both were transported to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.
Police have now confirmed those wounds were gunshot wounds.
According to a missing person report obtained by Jordan Miller News, Spells’ family reported her missing Saturday after she had not been seen by relatives since early Friday morning.
The report states Spells had been out with a family member before dropping her off at a residence on Ninth Street SW around 2:34 a.m. Friday. That was the last time a family member reported seeing Spells.
The report also indicated Yeager was with the group that night and that there had been discussion about potentially meeting up with a group of men.
A vehicle belonging to one of the women was reportedly later found abandoned near 17th Street and Shorb Avenue in Canton.
When Jordan Miller News arrived at the Skyline Terrace fire Sunday morning, members of Spells’ family were at the scene and feared their missing loved one could be involved. The family later received confirmation that Spells was one of the two women found inside.
Police are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of Washington, Lamar or Terrell to contact the Canton Communications Center at 330-649-5800, the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144 or the U.S. Marshals Task Force at 1-866-4-WANTED (1-866-492-6833).
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
