PLATTSBURGH — The families of Timothy Carter and Patricia Howard have been on an emotional roller-coaster since the murders of their loved ones last weekend.

And before the shock of their brutal deaths could lessen, family members stood face to face Friday with the man accused of killing them.

After watching Pavone tearfully attempt to plead guilty during his arraignment in Clinton County Court, more than a dozen of Carter's family members expressed gratitude to police for arresting him in less than a week.

"It's a relief to see him in custody," Carter's son, Bryan, said, as his sisters, Kelly and Sara, nodded in agreement.

Hearing Pavone say he wanted to plead guilty "felt really good," Bryan said. "It was like a breath of fresh air.

"It's not over, but there's some sense of closure now, and my dad can rest in peace."

For the siblings, the loss of their father has left not only a lasting impact on them but the four grandchildren that Carter cherished.

At the time of his death, Carter, an avid outsdoorsman and handyman, was a civilian filter-plant operator at Clinton Correctional Facility.

He was on his second date with Howard, celebrating the local mother's 43rd birthday, when they were killed.

Howard's oldest daughter, Sarah, went to court Friday after her mother's services. Outside the crowded courtroom, she met and embraced Carter's children.

The children, now united in tragedy, vowed to stay in touch as the case moves forward.

Ironically, Pavone was captured only 20 minutes from where Carter's three children now live.

Both victims are survived by large extended families in the area.

Howard was employed in Plattsburgh as a dental hygienist for more than 20 years.

After hearing of Pavone's arrest, Sarah Howard wrote to the Press-Republican: "I am glad my mother can now rest in peace and the man who did this to her can be brought to justice."

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com