Asbill said that a hearing is scheduled for next month. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney James A. Willett also would not discuss specifics of the investigation, but he said the case is unusual. The crime scene was terrifying, according to sources close to the investigation and victims' family members, who saw the inside of the town house. Finch was shot first after opening the front door. Thrall then appeared at the top of the stairs.
Police believe that Thrall charged the shooter to get to the only phone in the house.
Apparently out of bullets, the attacker beat Thrall on the head with his gun, reloaded and shot her. Police have not recovered the gun but believe that the killer left a drop of blood on a back gate. A newspaper carrier reported seeing a man fitting Elliott's description in the neighborhood just before the slayings, authorities said. Gragg would not discuss whether she had any contact with Elliott after the killings, including whether he told her about them. Cameron Thrall, Dana's brother and a captain in the Marines, said he is troubled by the meaninglessness of the slayings.