crime

The suspects were arrested after deputies served search warrants on Sunday. "We are confident that this appears to be a dispute over marijuana," a sheriff's department spokesperson said.

The victims were found Sunday and Monday at three separate locations. Police said they did not know of a motive for the killings, but said the suspect knew the victims.

César Suárez was also in charge of the Metastasis case involving an Ecuadorian drug lord who allegedly received favorable treatment from judges, prosecutors, police officers and high officials.

Experts have warned that the South African police are losing the battle against crime and that has led those citizens who can afford it, to turn to a booming private security industry.

Cavalcante was charged with felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and possession of a firearm as well as a number of misdemeanor charges including theft and receiving stolen property.

Sheriff's deputies said the suspect was later killed in "a lethal force encounter" with authorities. Tributes continue to pour in honoring the victim, Lauri Carleton.

The move came as the White House announced policy actions across 20 agencies meant to improve the criminal justice system, which disproportionately affects Black and other non-white communities.

The man was convicted of killing a female colleague in a Seoul subway station last year, a day before he was to be sentenced on stalking charges. This has led to calls for better protection for women.