A video has revealed police accidentally catching a soon-to-be suspect on camera at the murder scene.
Ngor Makuey attacked an elderly couple at their home in east Des Moines on 2 June, 2014 - injuring Harriet Anderson and killing Rupert Anderson.
When authorities arrived at the house, the 20-year-old was spotted by police lingering near the front of the crime scene, and was even caught on camera by authorities who were recording themselves entering the property for a TV show.
However, the police didn't yet know that Makuey was their suspect.
Advert
In the video, police can be seen having pulled up outside the Andersons' house - reported as arriving at the scene later on in the day on 2 June, 2014.
The recording of them entering the house was being made for an episode of the show Cops.
In the recording, Makuey - a former student at Southeast Polk High School - can be seen standing outside the front door of the Andersons' wearing a grey hoodie and red t-shirt, looking inside as officers enter the crime scene.
According to KCCI, Makuey told Officer Linda Powers that he was at the Andersons' house 'to pick up a dog' - the Andersons were the owners of Vista Kennels.
"By him standing there calmly at the door, he didn't really catch your attention did he?" a police officer was questioned during court proceedings.
They responded: "No, he did not."
Makuey's lingering presence outside the scene of the crime was not only caught on camera, but also referenced in police's search warrant.
The warrant detailed: "[Police Officer Carlos Santiago] believed he [Makuey] may be family to the victims as he appeared calm and stayed out of the way as he and medics entered the home."
Sergeant Jason Halifax noted police 'rarely encounter behaviour as strange as Makuey's,' reflecting how the former student being at the scene of the crime he committed is 'so far outside of the norm,' USA Today News reports.
Makuey was convicted in December 2015, found guilty of assault with intent to commit serious injury, burglary and robbery, as well as first-degree murder.
His public defenders tried to argue he was legally insane at the time of the attack, but prosecutors insisted the former student had went to the Andersons' home to rob the couple.
In January 2016, aged 20 years old at the time, Makuey was sentenced to life in prison.
Assistant Polk County Attorney Jaki Livingston reflected on the crime as being 'horrible' and 'senseless'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Crime, Police, Social Media, True crime, US News, YouTube, Film and TV
Poppy Bilderbeck