Police find home invasion victims' safe

PENSACOLA, Fla., July 17 (UPI) -- Pensacola, Fla., police said Friday the safe stolen from Byrd and Melanie Billings was found in the backyard of an accused accessory to the killings.

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said the safe contained jewelry, prescription medicine and family documents, CNN reported.

News of the discovery of the safe came as the funeral was being held at Liberty Church in Pensacola for the Billingses. The couple's daughters read at the service and the couple was buried at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.

"They gave these children a joyous childhood and a much-needed voice. Their lives were cut way too short, but their legacy will live on," said Dr. Ed Brock, Melanie Billings' brother.

Eight people have been arrested in the July 9 slaying of the Billingses in the home they shared with many of their children near Pensacola. The couple at one time had 17 children -- 13 adopted and two each from previous relationships.

Investigators said the primary motive for the homicide likely was robbery. Police said they planned to interview two more people in the couple's slaying.