Search Warrant Reveals More Details In Billings Case, Link Between Gonzalez, Jr. And Billings

July 21, 2009

A search warrant for the red van in the Billings murder case provides more clues into the double homicide last week in Beulah, including the first evidence released that show financial ties between the Billings family and their murderers.

Byrd Billings apparently loaned money to Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr., according to the search warrant. “Gonzalez reported knowing the victims and having received financial support in the past for the opening of a martial arts studio,” the warrant states.

The warrant also details items that investigators were looking for in the case, in addition to the red van. The search warrant specifically mentioned:

  • a black briefcase belonging to the victim
  • A handgun with 9mm ammunition
  • a small safe
  • any zipties
  • any evidence pertaining to the crime, including hair and bodily fluids from the victims
  • masks used to cover the faces of the suspects
  • two long guns, one being a shotgun

The search warrant details the crime much in the way it has been reported over the past week: The bodies of Byrd and Melanie Billings were found obviously dead from multiple gunshot wounds in the bedroom. Two of the doors leading into the home had been forced open.  Two intruders carried long guns, one possibly being a pump shotgun and the third carrying a handgun. The spent shell casings recovered at the scene were 9mm. The video shows the invasion taking about four minutes.

Byrd, 66, and Melanie, 43, were shot to death July 9 in their Beulah home while nine children were in the home.

Read the search warrant here (pdf).

Comments

One Response to “Search Warrant Reveals More Details In Billings Case, Link Between Gonzalez, Jr. And Billings”

  1. Edie on July 21st, 2009 5:29 pm

    This whole thing is about biting the hand that feeds you. The payment for helping a person out is being killed. How sad.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News