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Arrest Warrant Issued In Irvington Deaths

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Sep 12, 2008 7:40 pm US/Eastern

Arrest Warrant Issued In Irvington Deaths

Fire Set In Home Believed To Be Cover-Up Of Quadruple-Homicide

NEWARK, N.J. (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Rolando Terrell is wanted in connection to the shooting deaths of four people and fire set to their house in Irvington.
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Police are searching for a man they believe to be armed and dangerous and behind the shooting deaths of three teens and the woman who cared for them in Irvington this week.

Police say 36-year-old Rolando "Rat Man" Terrell is the prime suspect in the shootings and the one who set fire to the house immediately after. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Friday, as he's expected to be charged with the murders of 13-year-old Latrisha Fields-Carruthers, 18-year-old Zakiyyha Jones, 40-year-old Candy McLean, and another teen whose identity was not released.

"We believe, without saying more, that 'Rat Man,' that's the nickname that Rolando Terrell goes by, knew and had some kind of a knowledge and familiarity with Candice McLean. And whatever it led to a horrible murder and arson scene," said Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow.

Dow said police were investigating whether drugs or robbery were a motive.

They say Terrell has a double letter "i" tattoo on his neck and was seen driving a red 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee with gold rims and New Jersey license plate YDM-45R.

Terrell is known to frequent East Orange, Orange, Irvington, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. They ask anyone who sees him to call 911.

Police say the fire was set after the victims were shot, believed to be a cover-up attempt.

"Whoever did it was sick. They killed kids, babies," said Raheema White, who knew the victims.

Friends, family and neighbors were all asking the same question: Why would someone do this. The motive is still unclear, though police are looking into the possibility of drugs, robbery, or a gang-related incident.

A baby was removed from the home unharmed.

"She loved her kids, she helped everybody out," said April Middleton, McLean's sister. "It's the devil. It must be the devil, Satan. That's all I can say, just the devil running loose."

Police had been offering up to a $10,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect or suspects wanted in connection with this crime. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Prosecutors Homicide Squad at 973-621-4586.

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