SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- The investigation continues into the death of two girls found in a burning home in Sioux City on Sunday.

Police said the girls, Kendra Suing, 10, and Alysha Suing, 8, were the victims of a ritual slaying. Their stepfather, Lawrence Harris Sr., is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Police said Harris had been performing "some strange ritual" and told officers he cast a spell that went bad.

Police Chief Joe Frisbie said the girls were dead before the fire and appear to have died of strangulation and stab wounds. He said an official cause of death won't be released for several days.

go