POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The man who police believe killed an elderly Canadian couple in their Pompano Beach mobile home appeared in court.
Twenty-eight-year-old Quinton Johnson faced a Broward County judge in connection to the case, Thursday. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Authorities served the suspect a warrant on Wednesday even though he’s been behind bars since early April for an unrelated crime.
7News cameras captured the entrance to Marc and Rita Gagne’s mobile home, located off of Northwest 31st Avenue, still cordoned off by crime scene tape, and their Jeep SUV still parked in the driveway, Thursday afternoon.
Area residents marched and prayed together earlier in the day. They said they were finally given peace of mind.
“I’m happy. We’re happy now they found him,” said neighbor Langis Thibault.
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives said they were able to put together the pieces on the double homicide that occurred back in March, and now, a month and a half later, deputies believe they have their suspect.
Neighbors said they became concerned after they hadn’t seen the couple for a few days.
That’s when a curious neighbor went into their mobile home and found the Gagnes’ bodies.
Investigators said Marc Gagne was 80 years old and Rita Gagne was 78.
Officials said Johnson also faces other charges connected to a shooting and robbery, also in Pompano Beach.
According to deputies, Johnson robbed 67-year-old Dennis Moton outside of a Bank of America in March.
That victim fortunately survived the attack.
“I just couldn’t understand it. The guy just came out of nowhere,” said Moton. “After he shot me, I fell right to the ground. I was bleeding everywhere,” he said.
Johnson’s lawyer, in court, said his client is invoking his Fifth Amendment right and the state and sheriff’s office should honor that.
Detectives said Johnson has a long criminal history of occupied burglaries and grand theft. He had been released from prison in February after serving a seven-year sentence.
Those who knew the Gagnes are glad to see Johnson being charged in their deaths.
“Lots of people in the park are going to be happy because they were scared,” said Thibault.
Johnson is being held behind bars without bond.
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