Like something out of a soap opera, a twisted love affair has turned
into double murder in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Three people are charged with the crime, including two teenagers.
Family members say it’s been an extremely difficult time. They’re trying
to wrap their heads around what was staged as a murder-suicide, but is
really a love triangle gone wrong.
Ann Marie Anastasi, 42, her 13-year-old daughter, and the girl’s
18-year-old boyfriend, Gabriel Struss have been arrested in connection
with the double murder.
Last Monday, police found 40-year-old Anthony Anastasi Jr. gunned down
in his home in the quiet Lothian community and 25-year-old Jacqueline
Riggers stabbed to death.
“Once our homicide detectives were on scene, they immediately knew
something was off, something wasn’t right,” said Anne Arundel County
police said.
Investigators say Anastasi Jr., his wife, Ann Marie, and Jacqueline all lived in the house together. Charging documents show the three, historically, were all sexual partners. Documents add the husband and wife’s marriage was fraught with conflict and domestic abuse and that Anastasi Jr. and Riggs were still in a relationship, but he and his wife were not. Ann Anastasi told police her husband committed suicide, but a gun near his body didn’t match evidence on scene.
“Mrs. Anastasi provided the initial false report,” said Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney.
Police say Mrs. Anastasi and her daughter plotted the killing and had the teen’s boyfriend carry it out.
“He’s never done nothing, as I know of. Never. He’s been manipulated into doing this,” said Struss’ grandfather.
Struss’ family is now speaking out.
“I know he hung out with that girl a couple of times. He’s a teenager. He did what kids do,” his brother said.
All three suspects are being charged with first-degree murder and other charges.
Ann Marie Anastasi was denied bail on Friday. Her 13-year-old daughter remains in a juvenile facility.
Investigators say Anastasi Jr., his wife, Ann Marie, and Jacqueline all lived in the house together. Charging documents show the three, historically, were all sexual partners. Documents add the husband and wife’s marriage was fraught with conflict and domestic abuse and that Anastasi Jr. and Riggs were still in a relationship, but he and his wife were not. Ann Anastasi told police her husband committed suicide, but a gun near his body didn’t match evidence on scene.
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