Two arrested in Polk murder also charged in SC triple murder

WINTER HAVEN (FOX 13) - A man and woman who were arrested in connection with a Polk County homicide are now also accused in a triple murder that happened in South Carolina. 

Christopher Taylor and Kristina Sluss, who are described as "drifters," were arrested and charged in the homicide of Douglas Bowling. Bowling's body was found in a Polk County orange grove in February and detectives determined he had been beaten to death. Christopher's brother was also arrested for the homicide.

On Friday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that Taylor and Sluss are also accused in a triple murder that happened in Landrum, South Carolina in January.

In that case, 59-year-old Francis Richards, 59-year-old Fred "Junior" Richards, and 23-year-old Nathan Poffenberger were killed. South Carolina detectives said the three were "brutally" murdered.

Taylor and Sluss are facing three counts of murder in the South Carolina case. In the Polk County homicide, Taylor was charged with murder, while Sluss was arrested for accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.