PATERSON — Two men have been arrested in the murder of two city men whose death made tabloid headlines because of who owned the car they died in.

Police late Monday night arrested Clarence Williams, 26, and Gerry Thomas, 26, on charges of felony murder, conspiracy to commit felony murder, robbery, arson and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose for the deaths of Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 27. All the men are from Paterson.

The two suspects pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Superior Court.

The bodies of Anderson and Vega were found early Friday morning inside an Audi that was on fire on East 28th Street. The Audi was registered to Kim DePaola, a Passaic County fashion boutique owner who makes occasional appearances on the show "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." The car was used by her son, Chris Camiscioli, according to published reports.

According to TMZ, Anderson drove the car to drop Camiscioli off at Newark Liberty Airport on Thursday, night several hours before the car was found.

Authorities have released few details about what may have transpired.

DePaola on Monday told Radar Online that she doesn't believe the homicides were a mob hit because "the mob doesn't do this."

"It would be gang-related," she was quoted as saying. "Maybe they pissed someone off and they're making a statement."

During the court hearing Tuesday, the mother of one of the victims yelled "You're scum!" when the men asked to conceal their faces so they could not be seen on the monitor and by news crews in the courtroom.

The two defendants are due back in court on Friday for a detention hearing, where a judge will decide if bail will be set for either man or if they will remain in custody until their trials.

DePaola, who offered condolences to the families via her Instagram on Sunday, posted a picture of a single candle on Tuesday morning with the word "prayer" and the message "my heart is heavy !! I am praying for the families , and babies left behind !! RIP"

 

 

 

My heart is heavy !! I am praying for the families , and babies left behind !! RIP 🙏🏽

A post shared by Kim DePaola (@kimdposche) on

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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