$750K bond set for man accused in murders of Milwaukee mother, daughters

Updated: 3:54 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2020 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Arzel Ivery appeared in the Milwaukee County courtroom wearing an anti-suicide smock.

He is charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide.

According to court documents, the 25-year-old beat and strangled Amarah Banks, after they got into an argument. Ivery also allegedly strangled their daughter, 5-year-old Zaniya Ivery and Banks daughter, 4-year-old Camaria Banks. He then set their bodies on fire, according to investigators. The bodies were found in a garage near 47th and Burleigh. 

After the crime, Ivery bought a gun and left for Memphis where his father lives. He confessed to his father who turned him into police, according to the criminal complaint.

He was then extradited back to Milwaukee.

"The allegations in this case involve the defendant taking steps to avoid getting caught for the crimes including and fleeing to another state," said the prosecutor.

For that reason, the prosecution asked for a $1-million dollar cash bail. The defense wanted a lower bail of $200,000.

"Nonetheless, this is an extremely horrific offense, and I'm going to set the bail at $750,000," the judge said.

If convicted on just one count, Ivery faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

----------

Published: 10:44 a.m .on Feb. 21, 2020 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A judge set bond at $750,000 for Arzel Ivery on Friday, Feb. 21. Ivery is accused of killing a Milwaukee mother and her two young daughters and then lighting their bodies on fire in a garage near 47th and Burleigh. 

Investigators say Ivery beat and strangling Amarah Banks, and strangled her 4-year-old daughter, Camaria Banks and their 5-year-old daughter, Zaniya Ivery. He was turned in by his father in Memphis and was extradited back to Milwaukee. 

In court Friday, the state asked for Ivery's bond to be set at $1 million, while his attorney asked for $250,000. The judge met in the middle at $750,000. 

Ivery does not have a criminal record. He's due back in court on Mar. 2.