Peterson, 29, was found dead by police in the hotel room in West Charlotte on Easter Sunday. Fennell was found dead in a hotel room in another part of the city on Thursday morning, lt. Brian Crum said. Both women were sex workers, police said.
Crum said each suspect is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of firearms by a criminal, one of robbery with a dangerous weapon and one of conspiracy to commit a robbery with a dangerous weapon.
CNN could not determine whether Long or Brewer has legal representation.
Long and Brewer both committed crimes together, Crum said. Police said they did not believe anyone else was responsible for the deaths of the two women, adding that they were still investigating the motive behind the killings.
Crum said authorities do not believe there is a further risk to the public. The similarities between the two murders initially prompted them to urge the city’s LGBTQ community, especially those doing sex work, to be extra careful and vigilant.
“They need to know that there is probably never a more vulnerable time for them than tonight,” police spokesman Rob Tufano said Thursday. “If they see something suspicious, or hear anything suspicious, they should immediately call 911. This is currently a very critical time.”
Charlotte Pride, a local LGBTQ advocacy group, said he is working with others in the community to respond to the situation.
“Like I told her before I put her in the ground, I do not care if it takes every breath in my body,” her mother, Mary Peterson, said according to the station. “I said, ‘I get justice. ‘
CNN contacted the police department and prosecutor for more information on attorney, court appearance, as well as copies of the criminal charges and police reports.