Arrest warrants have been issued for the two suspects involved in the murder of a man near Hartsel, as announced by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Friday.
Johnny Rankin Morris, aged 46, and Hailey Cole, aged 43, were taken into custody in Mississippi on Monday. This arrest was made after Colorado investigators established sufficient evidence to question them regarding the murder of Timmy L. Huston, a 65-year-old resident of Hartsel, which occurred on December 19th.
The disappearance of 37-year-old Stephen Walker, who resided in the same home as Morris, also has “indirect ties” to the case.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office has identified the body found in the home as Walker.
“I speak for my entire Office when I say our heartfelt prayers are with Mr. Walker’s family and friends as they navigate this tragic situation,” said Sheriff Roybal. “Although there is no way to ease their broken hearts, we hope to ease their burden by holding the individual who senselessly took Stephen’s life accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
CBI officials have announced the issuance of arrest warrants for both suspects. They also revealed that a welfare check for Huston in Park County on December 24th led to the discovery of Walker’s car, which was found approximately 1.5 miles away from the victim’s residence.
Park County deputies made a tragic discovery when they found Huston’s lifeless body inside his Hartsel home.
Authorities issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for Morris and Cole, who were suspected of fleeing to their home state of Mississippi in Huston’s Ford F250 truck. Mississippi deputies from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office successfully apprehended both individuals.
Morris and Cole are currently facing multiple charges in the 11th Judicial District of Colorado. These charges include first-degree murder – after deliberation, aggravated robbery, first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, tampering with evidence of a felony crime, and conspiracy.
Morris is currently facing charges from both Park County and El Paso County. On the other hand, Cole is only facing charges in Park County.
The court has not yet scheduled dates for both cases.