Marshals Service says couple wanted in Oregon double homicide arrested in Virginia

Couple wanted in Oregon homicide arrested in Va.

PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon man wanted in the slaying of his mother and her boyfriend was arrested Monday in Virginia after police got a tip from a friend who read about the killings on the Internet.

Gabriel Morris, his wife, Jessica Morris, and their 4-year-old daughter, Kalea, were taken into custody in Dumfries, Va., according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

He is wanted in the Feb. 8 shooting deaths of his mother, Robin Anstey, 62, and her boyfriend, Robert Kennelly Jr., 48, near the Oregon coastal town of Bandon. Two counts of aggravated murder have been filed against Gabriel Morris, while his wife has been sought as a material witness.

Gabriel Morris, 33, and his family were staying at a home in Dumfries, Va., said 1st Sgt. Kim Chinn, spokeswoman for the Prince William County Police Department.

One of the adults at the home grew suspicious of Gabriel Morris and did an Internet search of his name Monday morning. The search popped up reports of the slayings, as well as a fugitive notice on the Web page of TV’s “America’s Most Wanted.” Gabriel Morris was featured on the show Saturday.

The person then contacted police.

Prince William officers, including a SWAT team, surrounded the house. Gabriel Morris was arrested as he drove away from the place. He was carrying a loaded .45 caliber handgun.

“He didn’t run, he cooperated,” Chinn said.

Jessica Morris and her daughter were stopped in a separate vehicle and taken into custody.

Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier said he and four detectives planned to fly to Virginia Monday afternoon to continue their investigation. The couple could be returned to Oregon within the next couple of weeks, depending on whether they fight extradition.

“Everyone here is relieved that we’ve got them in custody,” Frasier said. “And the biggest thing is nobody got hurt.”