BY JOHN HOPKINS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- A 38-year-old Butler County man was arrested Tuesday and charged in two different slayings in July, police said.
Hamilton Police Detectives arrested Dennis A. Marcum of 2661 Bell Road, Morgan Township. He was charged in the fatal stabbings of Melvin Powell and James Petree, both of Hamilton's west side. Mr. Powell was found dead in his home at 930 North D Street on July 22. The 64-year-old man was stabbed and his house set on fire.
Butler County Coroner Richard P. Burkhardt said Mr. Powell's body was charred, but he died from a stab wound to the heart.
Three days later, Mr. Petree, 33, was found dead in his home at 104 Starr Ave. The cause of death was also listed as a stab wound to the heart.
Mr. Marcum was charged with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, arson, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of Mr. Powell. He was charged with aggravated murder and aggravated burglary in the death of Mr. Petree.
He was at the Butler County jail without bond.
