2 arrested in home invasion
Published 9:12 am Friday, June 25, 2010
FRANKLIN—DNA evidence and an alleged confession have led to the arrest of two Franklin men on charges that they attempted to rob an elderly couple inside their Crescent Avenue home in October.
Franklin police arrested Samuel Boyd, 20, of Stonewall Street and Jermaine M. Jenkins, 22, of 102 Center St. for allegedly forcing their way into the home on Oct. 18 and threatening the victims with a gun.
DNA evidence found at the home led police to Boyd, who admitted to the crime, according to a criminal complaint filed by Det. Cpl. Karl R. Boone with the Franklin Police Department.
“If you touch something, your bodily fluids or body oils contain DNA,” said Franklin Police Lt. Tim Whitt.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the police, Boyd had agreed to a voluntary interview with Boone on Friday. During the interview, Boyd said he and Jenkins had gone from house to house on the night of Oct. 18, ringing the doorbell of the victims’ home at about 9:30.
Boyd said an older woman answered the door and tried to close the door when she did not recognize the suspects. He said he then placed his hand on the door and his foot in the doorway to gain entry, and that Jenkins pulled out a gun. An elderly man at the home grabbed the gun, cutting his hand, and the woman hit Jenkins with a cane.
Boyd said he and Jenkins fled when an alarm went off.
After making the statements, Boyd was charged and taken to the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, where he is being held without bond. He faces a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30, in Franklin General District Court.
Jenkins, who is in jail on unrelated charges, will be arraigned on the new charges at 9 a.m. Monday, June 28, in Franklin.
Both are charged with using a firearm while committing a felony, attempted robbery and unlawful wounding. Jenkins is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.