Killer of 3 Muslim students charged with murder by grand jury

oge okonkwo

February 17, 2015 5:17 PM

Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were found dead a week ago in their Chapel Hill flat near the University of North Carolina

46-yr-old Craig Hicks, prime suspect in the murder of three young Muslim students has been indicted by a grand jury in the US state of North Carolina.

Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were found dead a week ago in their Chapel Hill flat near the University of North Carolina, where Mr Barakat was a dental student.

According to BBC, police say that Hicks carried out the shootings as a result of a parking dispute but haven't ruled out the possibility that the killings may have been motivated by religious hatred.

At least 12 firearms were taken from Mr Hicks's home after he handed himself in to be arrested, police say.

He is reported to have described himself online as a "gun-toting" atheist.

Family members reported that Mr Hicks had previously "picked on" the married couple.

However, Hicks' wife, Karen said the incident, which has drawn international condemnation, had nothing to do with religion and her husband treated everyone equally.

Mr Hicks, a neighbour, is scheduled to appear in court accused of murder on 4 March. He remains in jail without bail.

US President Barack Obama on Friday described the murders as "brutal and outrageous".

He said that the FBI would be investigating whether any "federal laws were violated".

More than 5,000 people attended a funeral on Thursday for the three students.

oge okonkwo