Johnny Rankin Morris, 46, was arrested in connection with two murders in southern Colorado. He was caught in Mississippi alongside 43-year-old Hailey Cole after an inquiry that began as a missing persons case. Morris is facing several serious allegations, including first-degree murder for Stephen Walker and tampering with physical evidence for Timmy Huston. The investigation began on December 19, 2024, when blood evidence was discovered at a home in Cimarron Hills, Colorado. The deaths were discovered in Park County, and investigators suspect Morris and Cole stole Huston's pickup truck and escaped out of state. The arrests are part of a larger operation involving several law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Johnny Rankin Morris. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Gulfport, MS. February 6, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
Overview of Johnny Rankin Morris
Johnny Rankin Morris is a 46-year-old man who has been arrested in connection with two murders in southern Colorado. He was apprehended in Mississippi alongside Hailey Cole, a 43-year-old woman, following an extensive investigation that began as a missing person case.
Charges and Arrest Details
Morris faces multiple serious charges stemming from the deaths of two individuals: Stephen Walker and Timmy Huston. In the case of Stephen Walker, Morris is charged with:
First-degree murder
Tampering with a deceased human body
Tampering with physical evidence
In relation to the death of Timmy Huston, Morris faces additional charges including:
First-degree murder
Aggravated robbery
Motor vehicle theft
Tampering with evidence
Morris was arrested on December 30, 2024, in Pearl River County, Mississippi. He is currently being held without bond and is awaiting extradition back to Colorado.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into Morris began on December 19, 2024, when authorities were alerted to a missing person case involving Stephen Walker. The initial investigation revealed significant blood evidence at a residence located on Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, Colorado. Following this discovery, law enforcement officials conducted searches that ultimately led to finding Walker’s body in a wooded area in Park County five days later.
Simultaneously, another victim, Timmy Huston, was found dead at his home about a mile and a half away from where Walker’s body was discovered. Investigators believe that Morris and Cole may have stolen Huston’s pickup truck after his death and fled out of state.
Community Impact and Response
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal expressed condolences for the victims’ families and emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The sheriff’s office has also encouraged anyone with information related to the ongoing investigations to come forward.
The arrests of Morris and Cole have been described as part of a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies across several states including Colorado, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Conclusion
Johnny Rankin Morris is facing grave accusations related to two homicides that have shocked the community. His arrest followed an intensive investigation that transitioned from a missing person inquiry into serious criminal charges involving murder and tampering with evidence.
VIDEO: Family says Park County man took suspect in, offering helping hand before his murder | https://youtu.be/-VAtP-HhkXI
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