MAYVILLE – In a case one veteran law enforcement officer described as one of the most disturbing he has ever seen, four men have been taken into custody in connection with the slayings of a Town of Carroll couple, whose bodies were discovered Wednesday inside their burning home.
Chautauqua County officials identified the victims as Gordon Skinner, 66, and his 59-year-old wife, Joyce, of Wheeler Hill Road home.
In custody are: Davide Coggins, 34, no address given; and Ricky Knickerbocker, 18; Steven Todd, 18; and Joshua McCormick, 21, all of Elmira. Authorities said they were picked up early Thursday in Elmira; Coggins was picked up separately and the other three were together.
Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace said the Skinners were killed during a home invasion.
“In all our minds, it was not a random act. We believe it [was] a targeted act,” he said.
“In my 34 years, this was one of the most disturbing and troubling home invasions I have seen,” the sheriff said.
Autopsies were performed Thursday morning by the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. Nothing was disclosed as to how the Skinners were killed – except that a firearm was not involved.
District Attorney David W. Foley said the four are being held in the county jail.
Police have seized a 2003 car – a gold or tan-colored Pontiac Grand Am with New York plates – in which the four were believed to have traveled together. Anyone who may have seen it as early as Tuesday in the Town of Carroll or Frewsburg is asked to call police.
“The community is extremely scared,” said Carroll Police Chief Timothy Wright. “We are doing everything we can to help the community. People should understand that their communication will assist us in solving this case and anything they think would help to clarify the situation, they should report it.”
State Police, Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies, Elmira and Town of Carroll police were credited for their help with the continuing investigation.
No information was given on the cause of the fire or extent of damage to the house.
The couple was believed to have been alone in the house.
Chautauqua County officials identified the victims as Gordon Skinner, 66, and his 59-year-old wife, Joyce, of Wheeler Hill Road home.
In custody are: Davide Coggins, 34, no address given; and Ricky Knickerbocker, 18; Steven Todd, 18; and Joshua McCormick, 21, all of Elmira. Authorities said they were picked up early Thursday in Elmira; Coggins was picked up separately and the other three were together.
Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace said the Skinners were killed during a home invasion.
“In all our minds, it was not a random act. We believe it [was] a targeted act,” he said.
“In my 34 years, this was one of the most disturbing and troubling home invasions I have seen,” the sheriff said.
Autopsies were performed Thursday morning by the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. Nothing was disclosed as to how the Skinners were killed – except that a firearm was not involved.
District Attorney David W. Foley said the four are being held in the county jail.
Police have seized a 2003 car – a gold or tan-colored Pontiac Grand Am with New York plates – in which the four were believed to have traveled together. Anyone who may have seen it as early as Tuesday in the Town of Carroll or Frewsburg is asked to call police.
“The community is extremely scared,” said Carroll Police Chief Timothy Wright. “We are doing everything we can to help the community. People should understand that their communication will assist us in solving this case and anything they think would help to clarify the situation, they should report it.”
State Police, Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies, Elmira and Town of Carroll police were credited for their help with the continuing investigation.
No information was given on the cause of the fire or extent of damage to the house.
The couple was believed to have been alone in the house.