Reward now offered as police plead for help solving murders of Fort Lauderdale seniors

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale police held a news conference Wednesday morning regarding the killings of Major and Claudette Melvin, announcing that Broward Crime Stoppers is now offering a $5,000 reward in the case.

The couple, both in their late 80s, were found shot to death inside of the home they lived in for 50 years, family members said.

A relative found the bodies and called another family member, who then called 911.

Detectives have been told nothing of value was stolen, except for the couple’s car. It’s a red 2014 Ford Fusion with Florida tag L-T-D Q-1-6.

During Wednesday’s news conference, Fort Lauderdale police Detective Sgt. Donald Geiger provided limited information. He said the case remains an “active investigation” and police were asking for the public’s help finding the vehicle.

He couldn’t confirm if the car was stolen and wouldn’t confirm that the couple was shot.

Authorities believe the vehicle could still be in Broward County.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Orlando Almanzar at 954-828-5546, Detective Leann Swisher at 954-828-4007, or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Watch news conference:


About the Authors

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.

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