Three arrested in quadruple killing

NEW SUMMERFIELD – Three people have been arrested in connection to Tuesday’s quadruple murder near New Summerfield. According to our news partner KETK, The suspects are 20-year-old Jesse Pawlowski, 21-year-old Dylan Welch, and 37-year-old Billy Phillips. They are all charged with capital murder. During a Wednesday news conference, Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said the motive appears to be a robbery “as of this time.” Dickson says Pawlowski and Phillips have a criminal history. One has allegedly confessed to being involved. Dickson said a 9-millimeter gun was used in the shooting.

The victims have been identified as 18-year-old John Clinton, 39-year-old Amanda Bane, 39-year-old Ami Hickey, and 47-year-old Jeff Gerla. Hickey and Clinton were mother and son. Gerla and Clinton were in a relationship together as well as Hickey and Bane. Despite the two same-sex relationships, Dickson says the primary motive appears to be a robbery rather than a hate crime. Clothes and guns were taken from the scene. Bond for each suspect has been set at $1 million. Dickson says the investigation continues.