NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Two men have been charged with murder in the disappearance of five teenage New Jersey boys who were last seen together in Newark more than 30 years ago.
Lee Evans and Philander Hampton were also charged with arson. Officials say they put the boys in a home and burned it to the ground.
The Essex County prosecutor’s office said Tuesday a tip from a witness 18 months ago led to the arrests.
The suspects are being held on $5 million bail each. A third man believed to have been involved died two years ago.
The boys were last seen on Aug. 20, 1978. Police say Evans routinely hired teens to help with odd jobs.
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Police believe the boys had broken into one of the suspects’ apartments and stole marijuana.
Evans was repeatedly interviewed in the months after the disappearances but was cleared as a suspect.
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