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No Bail For Accused Killer In Brutal Peabody Double Murder

PEABODY (CBS) -- While the search was underway for the second suspect in the brutal murders of a couple in the basement of a Peabody home, one man accused in the killings was arraigned in Peabody District Court Tuesday.

Michael Hebb
Michael Hebb in Peabody District Court February 21, 2017. (WBZ-TV)

Michael Hebb, 45 of Peabody, was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Mark Greenlaw, 37, and Jennifer O'Connor, 40. He was ordered held without bail.

Hebb was arrested without incident at a Peabody housing complex Monday afternoon.

On Tuesday afternoon, an arrest warrant was issued for a second suspect in the murders, Wes Doughty, who is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Wes Doughty
Wes Doughty wanted in connection with double murder in Peabody (Photo from Essex County DA)

Sources told WBZ-TV's Cheryl Fiandaca Tuesday that an Acura believed to have been driven by Doughty was found in Salem.

Law enforcement sources told WBZ that Greenlaw and O'Connor were found shot to death and dismembered, their bodies wrapped in rugs and plastic in the basement of a Farm Avenue home.

Peabody murder
Mark Greenlaw and Jennifer O'Connor (WBZ-TV)

Because this is an active investigation, defense attorney Ray Buso couldn't say much to reporters--but he did answer a question about whether or not Hebb acted in self-defense.

"I'm sure there's a big story behind here, given what I know, but it's not ready yet," Buso said.

"Clearly there's a lot more than what's been reported in the last 48 hours in the press," Buso added.

Buso said he wasn't designated as Hebb's attorney until after the suspect talked to police for almost two hours.

"I can tell you he gave a recorded statement after he was arrested yesterday about his involvement and other people's," Buso said.

Court records indicated that Hebb and the two victims all had criminal histories.

Jennifer's father, Ed O'Connor, told WBZ that his daughter suffered many medical problems throughout her life, and says that all the medication she was prescribed led her to drugs, alcohol and acquaintances with the wrong people.

"She was my daughter, we did what we had to do, and it just wasn't enough," he said.

Jennifer O'Connor
Jennifer O'Connor (WBZ-TV)

At age 5, Jennifer was diagnosed with leukemia. At 15, she had a stroke, and 10 years ago, she was in a coma for weeks because of a flesh-eating bacteria.

"Because of all the issues Jen has had, we have mourned her several times, so it's just a continuation of the mourning process," said Ed. "It's been tough, it's really been tough."

One of Mark Greenlaw's family members attended the arraignment. She told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe she was still in shock.

"Disbelief ... this is a very bad thing for somebody to do to somebody," she said.

Authorities were alerted to the gruesome scene of O'Connnor and Greenlaw's murders Saturday night, after a woman who ran from the house flagged down a driver and reported the murders to Massachusetts State Police.

peabody double murder
The home where Mark Greenlaw and Jennifer O'Connor were found dead in February 2017. (Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

Investigators wondered for a while whether there were more bodies inside the home, bringing in a K-9 unit and cadaver dog. Sources told WBZ-TV that there were body parts at the scene, but investigators said only that they were awaiting a report from the medical examiner's office.

Essex District Attorney Jon Blodgett said the home was known to police.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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