Man Charged With Incest, First-Degree Murder In Death Of 18-Year-Old Sister

A man has been charged with incest and first-degree murder after his sister was found dead earlier this month.

The suspect, 27-year-old Cody Garde, confessed to killing his 18-year-old sister, Heather, at a park behind Townsend Elementary School. But arrest documents reveal the pair had a complicated history that led up to Heather's death. 

Garde was initially arrested on second-degree murder and incest complaints, but he has since been charged with first-degree murder and incest. His bond was set at $5,000,000.

"We have learned during our investigation that there was an intimate relationship between the two of them," Major Michael Arterbury with Del City Police Investigations said.  

According to investigators, Garde gave them a confession. 

"He did give detailed statements in his interviews and confessed to the crimes that occurred," Arterbury said. "Right now, we have charges of second-degree murder and incest."  

Family members told police the relationship between Garde and his 18-year-old sister had been going on for years. Their family home is just a few blocks from the school where Heather was killed in the early morning hours Sunday. 

According to the arrest report, Garde said they were doing drugs together when they walked to Townsend Elementary School. 

"We believe an assault occurred there and probably some sexual activity occurred there," Arterbury said.  

He claims the violence began consensually, saying Heather “...told him to hit her, but he did not want to...” 

"We believe the victim sustained some significant injuries there," Arterbury said.  

Police said Garde went on to confess he continued to beat her while they engaged in sexual activity before he carried her back home. By morning-- investigators said Heather had died. 

"She was then taken to the hospital where she was deceased," Arterbury said. 

Mid Del Schools reassured parents '...the incident is not connected to our school or team...' 

"It did occur after hours,” Arterbury added. “No school, no students, nothing involved there."