Connor Kerner a Valparaiso, Indiana teen is arrested in the murders of missing teen couple, Thomas Grill Jr and Molley Lanham in a drug deal gone wrong.
An Indiana teenager has been arrested in relation to the murders of a teen couple who he allegedly killed then set on fire while their bodies were locked in a car trunk after a drug-deal gone wrong.
Connor Kerner, 17, has been charged with the murders of 19-year-old Molley Lanham and her 18-year-old boyfriend, Thomas Grill Jr, WLS-TV reported.
Cops say Kerner killed the couple at his grandparents’ house in Valparaiso after Grill tried to rob him while buying drugs last week.
He allegedly shot Grill first then beat him with a pipe wrench and then shot Lanham, who had been driving her boyfriend because he did not have a valid license.
Police say he then took drove the black Honda Civic they were in to a field and set their bodies on fire.
The pair were found on Saturday after an anonymous tipster called police to report that Kerner had confided in them about doing something ‘bad’.
The bodies have not been formally identified but police believe it is the teens. The couple were reported missing at the beginning of last week- no foul play had initially been suspected.
It is not known what kind of drugs Grill was allegedly buying off of Kerner.
Connor Kerner confession: ‘I killed someone and I killed an innocent girl.’
According to charging documents, the 17-year-old confessed to the tipster: ‘I killed someone and I killed an innocent girl.’
His grandparents were out of town when he allegedly killed them.
When confiding in the tipster, he warned them that he would also kill them and their family if they told anyone about it.
Despite the threat, the tipster called police on Thursday.
Molley and Thomas had been missing since February 25.
Told Molley’s family in a released statement: ‘Molley was a beautiful, loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her. Molley was so unapologetically herself.
‘She was spunky, fashionable, and unique in every way imaginable. Molley will be remembered for her love and kindness for all, especially animals.
‘The family continues to grieve and appreciate privacy and space during this horribly tragic time. The family appreciates the condolences, well wishes, and love that has been sent to them.
‘Hug your kids, tell them you love them, and always cherish every moment you have with them.
‘Details for a memorial service will be released as they become available.’
Kerner’s next court date is scheduled for May 6, 2019, according to court records- and remains in custody. No bail has been set.
17yo Valparaiso High School student Conner Kerner is formally charged with two counts of Murder Level 1 in the death of 18yo Molley Lanham and 19yo Thomas Grill. Their bodies were found in a burned vehicle in Porter County Saturday pic.twitter.com/SnNJYzMnV0
— newsburrow (@newsburrow) March 4, 2019
