Brandon Howard
A Parkwood man and one from Bucks County are facing attempted burglary charges after they allegedly tried to break into the home of Christopher P. Murray, the Northeast husband who is accused of strangling his wife in Pennypack Park on Aug. 4.
With Constance “Connie” Murray deceased, her husband jailed without bail and their two young daughters staying with relatives, the house on the 2800 block of Tolbut St. was vacant on Aug. 13 when Steven Anderson and Brandon Howard allegedly tried to pry open a rear sliding door. The suspects failed to gain entry.
Neighbors saw the suspicious activity at about 1:55 a.m. and called 911. A witness greeted police officers at the scene to point out the two suspects, police said. Anderson and Howard were arrested on the spot.
Multiple local news agencies, citing unnamed police sources, reported that Anderson, 32, of the 2600 block of Genesee Drive in Parkwood, claimed to be Connie Murray’s nephew. Philadelphia police did not confirm that report officially. Authorities identified Howard, 27, as a resident of the 900 block of Bristol Pike in Andalusia.
Both defendants were charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy. They remain in Philadelphia prison custody, each in lieu of $25,000 bail. ••
Steven Anderson