Police had been exhausting leads in the case until May 9, when a someone was cleaning out a St. Paul apartment and found a Bible written in a European language. Inside the Bible were two $1,000 savings bonds made out to Earl Olander.

The citizen searched Olander’s name online and found that he had been murdered, so he called police.

Police say the apartment was previously occupied by 29-year-old Edson Celin-Dominguez Benitez of St. Paul. He was arrested that same day. Police say he was wearing Crocs.

During an investigation, police learned that 35-year-old Reinol Godines Vergara of Richfield previously painted Olander’s house and shed. After his arrest, he told police Olander was an easy target because he was old, lived alone and had money, according to the complaint.

Vergara and Benitez are accused of driving to Olander’s house on April 9 to rob him. Police say they brought a black bag with a shotgun, duct tape and rope.

Prosecutors say Olander was sleeping on his couch when the two men placed a blanket over his head and attacked him. They then ransacked the home and stole items including coins, old silverware and the European Bible.

Vergara was arrested May 10 and was wearing Adidas shoes at the time. He admitted that they were the shoes he wore when he went to Olander’s house, according to police.

“The greed of individuals led to the death of a kind, caring, integral member of the community,” Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Assistant Superintendent Drew Evans said at a Wednesday news conference.

Also speaking at the news conference was Olander’s niece, Mary Rothfusz.

“He was a wonderful and loving uncle,” Rothfusz, said. “He always had something interesting or funny to say.”

According to his obituary, Olander was an active and lifelong member of East Union Lutheran Church, serving on the church council several times. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening and watching Twins and Vikings games.

“All who knew him will miss his soft and gentle nature,” the obituary reads.

Vergara has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, and Benitez has been charged with two counts of aiding and abetting second-degree murder. If convicted, they each could be sentenced to 40 years in prison on each count.

“It has been a long month, but now that these two men have been charged, hopefully our family can get closure,” Rothfusz said.