KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Two brothers could spend the rest of their lives behind bars after they allegedly tried to turn a Facebook Marketplace sale into an armed robbery instead.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Thursday, July 10, indicate that Clarence B. Melbert IV, 37, and Aaron Melbert, 31, both of Kansas City, have been charged in connection with the incident.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency crews were called to a nearby apartment complex with reports of a shooting.
When first responders arrived, they said they found a woman who reported she and her husband had been there to purchase a truck off Facebook Marketplace. However, instead of buying the truck, her husband was shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The investigation found that the husband had gotten into the truck but jumped out shortly after, covered in blood. Out of fear, the woman admitted that she fired several shots at the two suspects. She pointed Aaron out as one of the suspects, as he was still nearby.
When investigators made contact with the Melberts, they claimed to have only been caught in the crossfire. Clarence was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment while Aaron was taken into custody.
During an interview with investigators, Clarence claimed to have been the victim. But, when they determined him to actually be the suspect, the interview was terminated. It was found that he and Aaron allegedly attempted to rob the victim of the $2,500 he would have paid for the truck.
As a result, Clarence has been charged with accessory to robbery in the first degree, accessory to armed criminal action, assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a maximum of life in prison.
Meanwhile, Aaron faces charges of accessory to robbery in the first degree and accessory to armed criminal action. If convicted, he could also be sentenced to up to life in prison.
Court documents indicated that on Thursday, a warrant with a $100,000 bond attached was issued for Clarence’s arrest. He remains in custody in the hospital. As of Friday afternoon, a hearing has not yet been set for him.
However, Aaron does appear to be behind bars with a $100,000 bond listed. A bond review hearing has been set for him at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, with a preliminary hearing expected at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
No further information has been released.
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