The father of two brutally murdered Western Missouri girls is very thankful the alleged killer is in custody.

Paul Haarup spoke Monday when charges were announced against a 31-year-old Trimble Mo. Man. For the murder of his two daughters.

22-year-old Ashley Key and 19-year-old Britny Haarup were killed Friday in the Edgerton home of Haarup. Clifford Miller was charged Monday with two counts of first degree murder. The bodies of the two were found on a farm Sunday in Clinton County.

The father, Paul Haarup, said he will be taking care of his three granddaughters who lost their mothers.

“My daughters were very wonderful people. Their short lives will never be forgotten,” Haarup said. “Our duty is to make sure that the three granddaughters who are left behind know how special their mothers were.  They’re never going to have a chance to see their mothers smile in person.”

Key was staying at her sister’s house because she was starting to turn her life around, Haarup said.

“She finally made the decision that it was time to get up and dust herself off and lead a good life for her daughter and her family. And it was very apparent that she was making an attempt to project her sister,” Haarup said.

Platte County prosecutors charged Miller Monday and they have yet to decide whether or not to seek the death penalty. He’s held on a $500,000 cash only bond.