2 charged in Antigua honeymooners murders

updated 3:13 p.m. ET Aug. 18, 2008

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - A man and a teenager were charged Monday with the murders of a British couple who were shot in their resort cottage on the last day of their honeymoon, police in this Caribbean island said.

The 20-year old man and 17-year-old male were taken to a magistrate court in the capital, St. John's, and were charged with murder, robbery and receiving stolen goods, court officials said. Police would not identify the men, who were taken to prison after being charged, or say where they were from.

Benjamin and Catherine Mullany, both 31 and from Wales, were married on July 12 and went to Antigua for a two-week honeymoon. On July 27 — the day they were to leave — they were shot before dawn at the Cocos Hotel in the island's southwest. Police have said robbery appeared to be a motive.

Police in Wales said they have informed the families of the slain couple of the latest developments.

"We are pleased at how the investigation is progressing," the families said in a statement.

Last week, authorities charged two women with crimes "connected to the murders."

Police then detained eight other people. Five were released, and the two men charged on Monday were among those who had remained in custody. A 31-year-old woman also remained in custody but has not been charged.

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