Teenage daughters of DC quadruple murder victims attend funeral of parents, brother

Two teenage sisters whose parents and younger brother were murdered along with their housekeeper in the Washington DC home in May lead the funeral services held on 1 June.

The sisters, who were away at boarding schools during the murders, were identified as 19-year-old Abigail Savopoulos and 17-year-old Katerina Savopoulos. According to the Washington Post, mourners gathered at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington for the funeral of 46-year-old Savvas Savopoulos, his 47-year-old wife Amy and their 10-year-old son Philip.

The three victims were discovered alongside their 57-year-old housekeeper Veralicia Figueroa on 14 May.

According to NBC News, hundreds of mourners attended the funeral. Archbishop Demetrios, the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, told NBC News, "This tragedy caused an explosion of love, of sympathy. What can we say? We are at the funeral of three people who suffered abruptly and unexpectedly...There are no tears enough."

Figueroa, who was known as "Vera," is expected to be returned to her home country of El Salvador, the Washington Post reported.

An obituary, published in the Washington Post, for the three family members shed some light into their lives. "They are remembered for their devotion to family and charitable efforts for the less fortunately," it read.

Sisters doted on little brother Philip

The obituary added that the two sisters were incredibly close to their younger brother. "Abigail and Katerina doted on their little brother Philip," it said. "The three siblings took an active interest in each of the others lives and were always eager for opportunities to spend time together."

It added, "This was a family that maintained an unusually close bond for each other and for those less fortunate."

DC police have arrested and charged one suspect, 34-year-old Daron Wint, a former employee of the Savopoulos family business. According to the criminal complaint, Wint held the four captive until he received $40,000 (£26,000) in cash, later killed them and set fire to their mansion. Wint, who faces first degree murder charges, was arrested on 21 May and was being held without bond.

On 27 May, Wint's father Dennis Witt said he hoped whoever committed the "heinous crimes, my son included, will suffer the consequences of their actions." Police believe that more than one person was involved in the murder.

A preliminary hearing in Wint's murder case is scheduled for 23 June.