James White, 38, and Justin Mann, 24 have been arrested in connection with the deaths of 36-year-old Shanta Myers, her two children and partner, Brandi Mells.
On Dec. 26, the four were found in the basement of Myers’ home in Troy, NY —after being killed on Dec 21. As reported by Albany Times Union, authorities did not give detail as to the exact cause of death, but the murders were described as being done in “savagery” with the victims bound and their throats slit.
According to NBC, White and Mann were arrested on Saturday in connection with the murders. Authorities noted that the men were “acquainted” with one of the victims.
Both men, from nearby Schenectady, were apprehended Friday night and arraigned Saturday on one count of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder. They pleaded not guilty. Troy police Capt. Daniel DeWolf added that Mann had been on parole and that both he and White have a criminal history.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 4.
Myers leaves behind a 15-year-old son, Isaiah Smith, who was out of town on a retreat at the time of the murders.
“We feel confident at this point that there will be no further arrests, but it is certainly open as we continue” the investigation, Troy Police Chief John Tedesco told reporters.