Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department officials have now put seven in jail on charges related to the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings, the adoptive parents of a dozen or so disabled children, and natural parents of four grown kids. 

The Billings were slain in their home during what authorities have described as a home invasion. And while prosecuting the defendants will probably take years of court time, it’s good to see law enforcement was right on top of this case. Who in the Pensacola area could possibly sleep knowing the perpetrators were still at large? And yes, I know, you’re innocent until proven guilty, but proactive, aggressive investigation like this is to be applauded.

When working this kind of case many officers — investigators, forensics experts, patrol — work literally around the clock, mainlining coffee and sleeping in small stretches. The amount of labor that goes into the initial arrest when you have dangerous fugitives at large is staggering, and they still have lots of details to nail down before the first case hit the courtroom.

Good job to the dedicated men and women working this simply terrible set of homicides. And here’s hoping those responsible live out their lives in utter and complete misery.