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PHOENIX – A man accused of killing his 14-year-old nephew, then dropping the body in a nearby garbage can, has been arrested.
Phoenix Police Detective James Holmes said they discovered the boy's body Saturday during a separate investigation into the murder of the boy's grandmother.
Erick Lampert, 35, is now being called the suspect in both murders, according to Holmes.
"I'm very glad he's caught," said Erick Lampert's brother, Vince Lampert. "It's a big relief to our family and everyone. He'll get what he deserves."
Holmes said Lampert was arrested Monday after police were called to a home near Warner and the Loop 101 for reports about a suspicious person on the property.
Once on scene, Tempe officers identified and arrested Lampert, according to Holmes.
"I hope they keep him behind bars for the rest of his life," said Erick Lampert's father, Branko Lampert. "I'd like it better if they would execute him."
The body of the 14-year-old victim, Loggan Lampert, was found in the backyard of his slain grandmother's home near 3rd Avenue and Hatcher Road.
"I can't imagine what it would be like to find a boy in a trash can, or how much he suffered before he died," said neighbor Teddie Esch.
Police were called to the home after the body of Sheila Lampert, 61, was found by her daughter at about 5:45 p.m. Saturday
Holmes said both victims had suffered blunt force trauma to their heads.
Police said these murders stemmed from a domestic violence situation, saying officers had been to the home several times before. It is reported that officers were at the home for a family fight earlier in the day.
Initially, police had called Loggan a person of interest, alongside his uncle Erick, after Sheila's body had been found.
Police SWAT and officers spread through the neighborhood searching for the two Saturday night. Erick Lampert was named a suspect in both murders after Loggan's body was discovered.
"Loggan was a good kid," said neighbor Susan Granger. "He was very caring. If somebody fell off their bike, he'd be over to pick them up."
Police have not released a motive for the attack on both victims.
"I hope to God whoever did it, whether it's the son or whomever, I hope they catch them before they do any harm to anyone else," added Esch.
On Sunday, the Arizona Humane Society closed its Sunnyslope Facility located at 9226 N. 13th Avenue in Phoenix. Sheila Lampert worked at the facility and Humane Society officials wanted to allow staff to mourn her loss.
Arizona Humane Society statement after suspect's arrest
We are relieved that police have apprehended the suspect in the tragic deaths of Sheila Lampert and her grandson, Loggan. Today, our employees continue to grieve the loss of a dear friend, whose motto in life was to 'love them all.'
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