Two Rhode Islanders charged in Middletown murder

March 3, 2016 3:47 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

Two Rhode Islanders were arraigned in Connecticut charged with murdering a man in Middletown.

Police held a press conference Friday morning, saying the two are facing first degree murder charges. But, there are still several unanswered questions.

It’s quiet at the Quality Inn and Suites in Middletown, but that wasn’t the case on Tuesday when a body was found in one of the rooms.

"Deceased and partially submerged in a bathtub," described Middletown Police Lt. Jason Ryan.

The victim is 51-year-old Mark Lussier from South Carolina and autopsy results who the cause of death is homicide.

"Due to the condition of Mr. Lussier’s body, it appeared he had been there for several hours," said Lt. Ryan.

Police believe two Rhode Islanders, 49-year-old Lavern Price, of Newport, and 41-year-old Todd Sullo, of Providence are responsible. Officials would not comment on exactly what caused Lussier’s death, but did say there were no obvious injuries.

Price and Sullo stole the victim’s car and were later tracked down in New York City. They tried to flea police Thursday, but after crashing the car on 95 near New London Connecticut, they were arrested.

The suspects were arraigned in court in New London Friday and will be extradited to Rhode Island where they will face the first degree murder and conspiracy charges.

It is still unknown why the victim or the two suspects were in Middletown, or the relationship between them.