Report: Five arrests in July 4th Conn. murder, explosion
HAMDEN, Conn. -- A fifth person has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 38-year-old Connecticut man discovered after a pipe bomb explosion, according to CBS affiliate WFSB.
The station previously reported that authorities announced the arrests of four people in the death of West Haven resident Edward Brooks. On Monday, authorities announced the arrest of his roommate, convicted felon Christopher Miller.
In addition to murder, Miller faces federal drug charges along with his mother Deborah, and girlfriend Natali Martinez. James Bryant, a roommate of the latter two, was also charged with evidence tampering and hindering prosecution, according to the CBS affiliate.
Police said Brooks was shot multiple times before his body was found wrapped in plastic in Hamden on the morning of July Fourth. His body was found on the property of West Rock State Park at around 11:15 a.m. reports WFSB.
"Edward Brooks was shot in a house in West Haven. He was then taken to a rural area in Hamden and he was literally blown up with an explosive device," U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirde Daly said.
The sound emitted rattled this generally tranquil Hamden neighborhood, according to the station.
"I paid no attention to it. I figured it (was the) Fourth of July," neighbor Peter Palmieri said. "Some kids messing around with a couple of M-80s. It shook the windows in the house."
Monday police also arrested 25-year-old Maurice Wearing, of West Haven, in the case, according to WFSB, Wearing was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.
He's being held on $1 million bond and is expected to be arraigned at Milford Superior Court on Tuesday.
The reason Edward Brooks was killed, his body dumped and the bomb set off has not been explained by authorities.
Brooks' roommate Christopher Miller was arraigned Monday and is due in court at the end of the month. Police expect additional charges against Miller.