"Most strangely weird and hilariously funny all at the same time"
signalhunt2009. 11. 1. 23:34
They make their mark in mug shot history
By Mallory Simon, CNN
October 30, 2009 12:08 p.m. EDT
Matthew Allan McNelly, left, and Joey Lee Miller, 20, still had the permanent marker
on their faces when they were booked.
(CNN) -- Police say guilt was written all over their faces.
Police received a call Friday night that two men with hooded
sweatshirts and painted faces had tried to break into a man's home in
Carroll, Iowa.
When police stopped a vehicle matching the caller's description blocks
away, they were stunned by the men's disguises.
There were no ski masks or stockings pulled over their heads; instead,
Matthew Allan McNelly, 23, and Joey Lee Miller, 20, streaked their faces
with permanent black marker.
Carroll Police Chief Cayler told CNN the strange disguises made it easier
for his officers.
"We're very skilled investigators and the black faces gave them right
away," Cayler said jokingly. "I have to assume the officers were kind
of laughing at the time. I've never heard of coloring your face with a
permanent marker."
Cayler said police believe one of the alleged burglars targeted the home
because he suspected his girlfriend had a relationship with the man who
lived there.
"They probably were just not thinking straight and figured we'll go out
and scare the guy or whatever," Cayler said. "[They were] being dumb
and combine that with alcohol and it was the perfect storm."
Both men were charged with attempted burglary, and McNelly was
charged additionally with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Lawyers
for the two men could not be reached for comment.
Cayler said he's been fielding calls about the case from news media
outlets from all over the country -- mostly because of their funny-looking
mug shots.
"I've been chief here almost 25 years, been with the department 28½
years and I've seen a lot of things that make me laugh and weird things
but this was probably the best combination of the two -- strangely
weird and hilariously funny all at the same time."
