Two military doctors slain in what police called a 'brutal' murder, two suspects in cuffs

Two suspects have been arrested in the "cold-blooded" killings of an active duty service member and his wife, police announced.

Army Col. Dr. Edward McDaniel and his wife, Dr. Brenda McDaniel, were killed during a double murder on the morning of May 26 that Fairfax, Virginia, police described as“brutal” during a press conference.

Edward McDaniel, 55, was active duty and Brenda McDaniel, 63, was a veteran. Both were military doctors.

The McDaniels were shot dead in “cold blood” in front of their home around 9 a.m., Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the manner of death.

Two people were inside the house at the time, survived and were uninjured.

"The victims [did] honorable military service to our country. We're very proud of the legacy they left to the United States of America," said Ed O'Carroll, commander of the Major Crimes & Forensic Bureau.

"They did nothing wrong. They were tragically and horribly murdered in their neighborhood."

Ronnie Keandre Marshall, 20, and D’Angelo Strand, 19, were arrested in connection with the crime after a community member gave a tip to police.

Both men were charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Police say that the suspects worked with a relative of the victims and believe the motive was a “dispute.” Davis said authorities have not yet determined the specifics of the alleged dispute.

Authorities responded to the McDaniels’ home on May 24 for a dispute and burglary report.

Detectives believe the earlier "response is directly connected” to the murders, police said at the press conference.

Authorities believe at least one of the two suspects was at the victims’ home on May 24. The gun used in the crime has not yet been located.

Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or may have seen someone leave the scene is asked to call our Major Crimes Bureau at (703) 246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone (866) 411-TIPS.