Wednesday, May 15, 2002
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Wednesday, May 15, 2002 |
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Twins: ministers or murderers? Twins were 'evangelists' to young teens, but now face murder, robbery chargesBy JOHN MUNFORD
Before they were arrested for armed robbery, murder and a host of other charges, identical twins Melvin and Marvin Mitchell led a different life, according to their mother. In the twins' bond hearing Monday, Lori Mitchell told the court her sons were ordained ministers for the Kingdom Builders Christian Center in Norcross. "They are evangelists," Mrs. Mitchell said. "They minister to young teenagers." Now those ministers are accused of armed robbery, kidnapping and murder relating to the armed holdup of a Fayetteville grocery store, the ensuing police chase and the death of an innocent motorist when that chase ended in a violent collision. Showing little emotion, Mrs. Mitchell told the court of her sons' business partnership, which consisted of cleaning the floors of stores such as Big Lots and Wal-Mart. Melvin and Marvin, who went to school in Gwinnett County but only reached the 11th grade, were subcontractors for a cleaning company, she said. Joy Robinson Mitchell, Melvin Mitchell's wife, said they had married three months ago and lived in an apartment in midtown Atlanta. Now, she lives with her mother but if Melvin were granted bond he would live with her, she said. The twins' brother, Michael, joined them in their ministry, he told The Citizen in an interview after the hearing. "We hold weekly Bible studies at skating rinks," to attract young people "and anybody who will listen to the gospel," Michael Mitchell said. The Mitchells were ordained by their church in November 1999, and they began the Bible study ministry the following January, Michael Mitchell said. "They're doing ministry now in jail," he added. "Getting people saved and preaching the gospel."
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