2 arrested in connection to 2008 murder

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The crime happened nearly a year ago. Last March, police found Lettrelle Thornton dead inside her townhome on Pollypine Drive.

Friday, police arrested her former roommate Pamela Campbell and charged her with Solicitation of Murder. Police also picked up Campbell's brother Tony Smith, Tuesday, in Texas and charged him with First Degree Murder.

"This whole year I suspected her," said Kenda Thornton.

Thornton has had a whole year to think about her aunt's death and the person responsible.

"It's been a tough year," added Thornton. "Just knowing somebody did this to an innocent person that would give you the shirt off their back."

Last March, Kenda's aunt, 69-year-old Lettrelle Thornton was found dead in her Virginia Beach home. Police say she was discovered by her roommate. Thornton died from blunt force trauma.

"I just miss her smile," said Thornton. "She was a people person and there was nothing that she wouldn't do for you."

People in the community found that out first hand. Thornton worked as a security guard at Norfolk State University. Her death shocked everyone and month after month police investigated - finally thier hard work is paying off.

"We suspected from the beginning that the person they have in custody had something to do with the killing of her," added Thornton.

The family's suspicions were right. Police say they've arrested Thornton's former roommate, 42-year-old Pamela Campbell in connection with her death. Campbell's brother, 37-year-old Tony Smith is also behind bars, charged with murder. Smith, who's in the Army was arrested at Fort Hood in Texas.

"It's a big relief," said Thornton. "It's a load off of my shoulders and off of my family's shoulders."

Kenda says her aunt and Campbell were romantically involved and something must have gone wrong.

"I would ask her what was the reason for doing this," added Thornton. "She did everything she could for you."

Tony Smith and Pamela Campbell are being held at Virginia Beach City Jail. Smith declined our request for an interview.