Recently released inmate accused of killing prison pen-pal, her boyfriend

PARMA, Ohio -- A municipal court judge in suburban Cleveland has set bond at $50 million for a man police say killed his prison pen-pal and her boyfriend weeks after being released.

Parma police say 42-year-old Thomas Knuff stabbed Regina Capobianco and John Mann to death in May.  Police say Knuff and Capobianco became pen pals while both were serving time in prison, reports CBS affiliate WOIO. 

Knuff had served more than 15 years for aggravated robbery. On Knuff's release date in April, he was picked up by Capobianco and Mann, the station reports.

Officials say they found the couple's decomposed bodies in their home in June, after Capobianco was reported missing by her sister.

The victims had been dead for about five weeks when their bodies were found in the clutter-filled residence where police had been called several times prior for narcotics and prostitution reports, reports WOIO.

Parma Heights Police Det. Steve Scharschmidt told the station that police were still trying to determine a motive.

"As far as the why, that's something we're still working through," Scharschmidt said.

In court Monday, a prosecutor called the crime "gruesome" and requested a high bond because Knuff had only just recently been released from prison at the time of the murders.

Municipal Court Judge Deanna O'Donnell set the bond at $25 million for each murder charge, plus a $10,000 bond for a charge of breaking and entering into a hair salon.

Knuff answered her questions politely. She advised him he could have an attorney appointed for him.

Police say he committed more crimes around the area after he was released from prison in April.