Trust established for slain Florida couple's young children

PENSACOLA, Florida (CNN) - The family of the slain Gulf Coast couple well-known and respected for adopting special-needs youths is establishing a trust for their nine young children.

Flanked by an attorney and other family members, Ashley Markham, one of the adult children from Byrd and Melanie Billings' previous marriages, made the announcement Wednesday.

"As a result of the overwhelming outpouring and generosity from all over the country, we are establishing a trust for the nine younger Billings children," Markham said, briefing reporters with family attorney Chrystal Spencer.

"We are so grateful for this kindness and will announce the details regarding the trust as soon as they become available. "

Spencer said an attorney in her office is drawing up the trust.

Seven people - one of them a 16-year-old - will face murder charges in the death of the couple last week. An eighth person is believed to have aided and abetted the crime, and authorities know that person's name and location, Escambia County, Florida, Sheriff David Morgan said Tuesday.

Because the investigation is continuing, Markham and Spencer wouldn't answer many questions about the case. But the two agreed with police that the couple was killed during a home invasion robbery.

"We do believe it's clear it was a home invasion with the intent to commit robbery. That was clearly a motive," Spencer said.

Markham agreed with the statement about the motive and said the family is "relieved that the people involved in this crime have been apprehended and we are certain that justice will be served."

As for the children, Markham said they are "coping well" and while they have been shielded as much as possible from the situation, it has been discussed with those who have asked questions.