Police: Murder victim Connie Murray's nephew arrested in burglary attempt

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have released the mugshots of the two men who were arrested for allegedly trying to burglarize the Northeast Philadelphia home of murder victim Connie Murray.

Authorities say one of the suspects is Murray's nephew.

Investigators say at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday the suspects broke into the home of Connie and Christopher Murray, located in the 2800 block of Tolbut Street.

Police say a vigilant neighbor called after spotting two men trying to pry open the back door of the home.

Murray's nephew, 32-year-old Steven Anderson, and a second suspect, 27-year-old Brandon Howard, were arrested at gunpoint.

They have been charged with Attempted Burglary and related offenses. Bail has been set at $25,000.

"They tried to walk away. They weren't listening to their commands. Once they were outnumbered, they gave up," said Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum, Philadelphia Police.

Court records show both Anderson and Howard have long records of arrests on burglary charges.

Just last month, Anderson plead guilty to a burglary charge and got probation.

Police say Howard just got out of jail in Montgomery County, one day ago.

Police say the alleged burglars targeted the home because they figured it was empty following the tragic events of the past week.

Connie Murray, a 46-year-old mother of two, was found dead in Pennypack Park last week.

PHOTOS FROM THE CONNIE MURRAY CASE:

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Police say Murray's husband, Christopher, confessed five days later to strangling her during an argument.

He is now behind bars, charged with murder.

The Murrays have two young daughters who are being cared for by relatives.

No word if they or anyone else was home at the time of the attempted break-in.

Meanwhile, groups like parents at their local recreation center have started fundraising for the girls.

Neighbors are outraged at the latest development.

"It's horrible. I don't even know what to say about it. It's horrible that someone would do that," said Mike Fox, neighbor.

"We're going to do everything in the extent of the law to persecute them," said Lt. Rosenbaum.

Both Anderson and Howard are facing attempted burglary and related charges.