Reaction Friday night from an Evansville neighborhood after four teenagers are charged with killing a homeless man and dumping the body in the Ohio River.
Those arrested are 18-year-old William Hurt, 19-year-old Deadra Hurt, and 16-year-old Harley Wade, and a 16-year-old girl, who police say are being charged as adults. Charges against the 16-year-old girl were dropped on July 5.
Police did not give the exact location of the murder, but we know it was near the intersection of East Riverside Drive and Weinbach.
Investigators say the victim, 54-year-old Marcus Golike, was brutally beaten in the street and then his body was thrown into the Ohio River.
"It's really surprising, because I didn't hear anything about this happening, and I live right around here," said resident Dustin Dunn.
Detectives say Golike had a troubled-past and visited a foster home.
The four suspects were connected to that house.
"Two of the individuals confessed to the beating, strangulation, and robbing of Golike," EPD said.
Investigators say Golike left the foster home the night of the murder. Police say the four suspects saw him walking down the street and a fight began.
Detectives say Golike say one of the 16-year-olds choked him to death.
Detectives say the four then used a sheet-like material to tie him up, before dropping his body into the river.
"He was placed into the back of the van, in the back area is where they physically bonded his hands and bonded his feet," said Zachary Jones with KSP.
Investigators say following the murder, the suspects went to a local convenience store, charging around $30 to the victim's credit card.
"They purchased soft drinks, chips, candy bars, and junk food," noted Jones.
Detectives say it took hours of interviews before any of the suspects even showed remorse.
All are in jail on no bond, charged by police as adults with murder, robbery and criminal confinement.
"It makes me feel like I need to protect myself more and watch out for other people," Dunn told 14 News.
Police say they still do not have a motive for this murder.
Formal charges are expected Monday, and as of now the suspects are due in court on Tuesday.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Wade Harley. Source: Vanderburgh County Detention Center
William Hurt, 18. Source: Evansville Police Dept.
Deadra Hurt, 19. Source: Evansville Police Dept.
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