2 suspected gang members accused of killing Lake Wylie couple appear in court

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two suspected gang members charged with murdering a Lake Wylie couple faced a judge in federal court Monday.

Malcolm Hartley and Brianna Johnson are accused of killing Doug and Debbie London at their home last fall.

IMAGES: Gang members charged in federal indictment

Investigators said it was part of a plan to prevent the Londons from testifying against a United Blood Nation gang member suspected of robbing the couple's mattress store last year.

The hearings were first appearances and lasted between 5-10 minutes each -- and could be the first of many appearances in federal court for each of them.

Johnson allegedly drove Hartley, the accused gunman, to the home of the Londons last October where they were murdered.

The judge recited the charges against her Monday morning, including racketeering, which he said carries a maximum of life in prison, and four separate charges that could bring the death penalty.

Johnson answered, "Yes sir," when asked if she understood the charges against her.

Hartley is also facing the death penalty and also acknowledged to the court that he understands what's happening in the case.

The judge told them both that they will have two attorneys appointed to represent them, including one who has experience in death penalty cases. Their next court appearances will be on Thursday for detention hearings.

Two men who were in court for Hartley's appearance left shortly after it was over. Channel 9 asked them if they wanted to say anything, but they declined.

Past coverage:

• Expert: Judge most likely won't dismiss charges in Lake Wylie murders
• Officials: Accused gang member ordered killing of couple from jail
• Deputies: Couple found shot to death at Lake Wylie home
• Deputies: 2 arrested in connection with double homicide of a Lake Wylie couple
• Brothers plead not guilty in mattress store robbery
• Wife: Store owner fired at suspects trying to rob him

Timeline of events:

• Apr. 22, 2015: FBI raids Charlotte cell of United Blood Nation, arrests seven gang members on variety of charges. Four of those arrested are charged in Connection with murder of Londons. 
• Jan. 30, 2015:Police said that Malcolm Jerrel Hartley, 22, and Brianna Johnson, 18, are arrested in connection with the double homicide investigation of the Londons.
• Dec. 2, 2014: Cureton and Adoma plead not guilty in the armed robbery case, officials said. David Fudge, who drove the getaway car, was sentenced to probation after his guilty plea earlier in the year. 
• Oct. 30, 2014:Federal prosecutors take over the armed robbery case that accuses Jamell Cureton and Nana Adoma of robbing the Londons' mattress store.
• Oct. 23, 2014: Doug and Debbie London are found shot to death in their Lake Wylie home.
• May 25, 2014:Two men rob the Wholesale Mattress Warehouse on South Boulevard owned by Doug and Debbie London. One of the robbers and Doug London exchange gun fire, police said.

WSOC