County Begins Extradition Paperwork For Murder Suspects

Days after the  of the suspects in the July 31 murder at the Bucks Landing Apartments, Bucks County officials began work on filing extradition paperwork Wednesday, plus a friend of the victim shares her reaction on the arrest with Patch.

“God is good. I’m just happy they got the two scumbags," said Maria Kehler, a long-time friend of the victim, 30-year-old Tyrone Newman.

Laurie Wint, 23, of Camden, who is also a suspect in a June murder in the city, was arrested in the early morning hours Sunday after an anonymous tip led police to his Camden hiding spot.

When Camden and New Jersey State Police arrived to the dwelling to arrest Wint, also known as “Turtle” and “Lance”, he tried to flee out the back door only to find the home surrounded by law enforcement. He then went back into the home and hid in a basement closet where police found him with a rifle. The suspect was taken into custody and is being held in Camden County on $1 million bail, police said.

“I was on the phone with Ty’s sister, Ann, when the detectives called her Sunday and said they got [Wint],” said Kehler. “God forgive me, but I hope he rots.”

Police say the other suspect, Briggs, 24, also of Camden, turned himself into the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office early Monday just hours after reports of Wint’s arrest were published. Briggs is being held as a fugitive from justice without bail in Burlington County. He was taken into custody without incident.

Kehler said she was watching a program on the Lifetime network and happened to turn on the news and saw the second suspect had turned himself in. She said she was happy both the suspects were off the streets and believes they should get the death penalty.

Matthew D. Weintraub, Bucks County senior deputy district attorney, said Wint will have to face trial for the June 8 murder of 19-year-old Kevin Miller in a Camden park before he can be extradited back to Bucks County to face charges in the stabbing death of Newman.

Briggs extradition to Bucks County is expected to be more brief due to the lesser charges he is facing in New Jersey, Weintraub said.

Kehler said she is unhappy with how the authorities handled aspects of the investigation.

Days after the murder, in the grass just feet from the K building basement hallway where Tyrone was found stabbed in the neck and torso, she found a bloody watch. She turned it over to Warminster police, who apologized and later confirmed they believe it was one of the suspect's wristwatches.

“How could they have missed that?” she said.

Kehler said she was pleased with police when she heard they apprehended the two men.

“[The suspects] get to eat three meals a day while my friend is dead. How fair is that?” she said.

Kehler said her goal for the justice to be served.