Fugitive Wanted For Killing Teen Brothers Denied Bond
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – After nearly two months on the run, U.S. Marshals captured one of South Florida's most wanted fugitives in Miami with help from a CBS4 viewer and now he's locked up in the Miami-Dade County jail.
Nineteen-year-old Barton Hill, charged with two counts of murder, was denied bond Friday and forbidden from contacting two surviving victims during his first court appearance Friday.
On the way to jail Thursday, cuffed and being walked out of the Miami Police Department, Hill faced reporters' questions.
"They got the wrong person," he said. "I never opened fire."
Hill said he didn't kill 15-year-old Mackenson Pierre and his 17-year-old brother Yves Sylvester at their Little Haiti home in September as they watched a football game with two other people under a driveway carport.
But their sister said the family is glad Hill is locked up.
"I'm happy for the arrest because he's off the street and this won't happen to anyone else," said Miriam, the murdered teens' sister.
On October 29th, CBS4's Brian Andrews profiled the hunt for Barton Hill in his Fugitive Task Force feature. A CBS4 viewer called U.S. Marshals late Wednesday night after spotting Hill at an apartment near the Miami River.
Officials set up surveillance at the apartment complex at NW 18th Terrace and 22nd Avenue in Miami where Hill was staying with a girl. His arrest didn't come without a fight. Authorities said he jumped out of a second story window and tried to run away. When police caught him, he said he felt like he was going to throw up. He was taken into custody around 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning.
The mother of the dead brothers is thankful a CBS4 viewer came forward with vital information to help catch Barton Hill.
"Thank you because I'm happy, I'm happy now," said Olivia Pierre. "God Bless you because you find that man. Thank you."
Barton Hill has a criminal past for violent crimes, including armed robbery and attempted murder, dating back to the age of 16.
His mother told CBS4's Brian Andrew several weeks ago that she didn't think her son was capable of hurting anyone.
"My son ain't capable of shooting nobody. That's my son and I love him," said Barbara Hill.
The tipster, who called the Fugitive Task Force, will receive a reward but the amount is unknown at this time.
Police also revealed Friday they have arrested the second man who was with Barton Hill the night of the shooting. Ivan Brown, 18, was arrested on Sept. 23rd and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted felony murder.
