Vigil Held for Double-Murder Victims

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Prince George's County Police still have not made an arrest in the double murder of a mother and daughter in Upper Marlboro, nor have investigators made any progress linking the case to another double murder of a mother and daughter in January.

Police are asking for the public's help with three pieces of evidence considered critical to the case. Two handbags are missing from the home.

In the meantime, nearly 100 people turned out for a candlelight vigil in front of the family home on Thursday night.

Police sources tell FOX 5 that they now believe Delores Dewitt and her daughter, Ebony, were killed in the home. It is still considered a crime scene and mourners were asked to stay away from the front door during the vigil.

At the vigil, it was clear this is a family and community still gripped in fear and sadness.

One relative sobbed as she said, "The last time I saw my cousin." She then broke down in tears.

Many stood in stunned silence to remember the women.

One family member made a tearful plea to catch a killer.

Tamara Hicks said, "If you really know something and have some really true information, that is what we need you all to call and talk about," said Tamara Hicks. "We need you all to do it out of the love in your hearts to help us, and let their souls be at peace."

For those who knew the mother and daughter, the killer has taken enough. This night was to celebrate their lives, albeit with a heavy heart.

"Just remember the happy times you had with Ebony, and it'll help the grief," said one neighbor.
Another told the crowd,
"I am a police officer and I find my self roaming around protecting these communities," another neighbor said. "It's a different feeling when it's your own community."

Police are keeping a highly-visible presence in the neighborhood.

Detectives are also looking for a multi-colored Fossil handbag and a black, patent-leather bag with a Cadillac emblem on it. Investigators are also looking for anyone who saw the champagne-colored, four-door 2005 Nissan Maxima before it turned up burned with the women inside. All of those things are considered important clues.

"We know they belong to the victims, and they're unaccounted for," said Major Andy Ellis of the Prince George's County Police Department. "If anyone saw someone with the bags or saw them discarded somewhere, we would like to know about it."

As family and friends placed keepsakes next to a tree, they were asked to stay away from the front door. The home is still a crime scene.

For Courtney Hicks and others, it's an eerie reminder of the murder of her mom and sister.

"Just pray for me-- please do that and my family," said Hicks. "I know my mother and sister are looking down and I know they appreciate it."

The funeral for Delores and Ebony Dewitt is scheduled for Friday.