Topline: A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve. According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood
Published: December 30, 2024 3:42 pm ET
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From left, Stephen Walker, Johnny Rankin Morris, Hailey Cole.
A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood in unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado.
Upon arrival, deputies found large quantities of blood in multiple locations throughout the home, prompting them to issue a BOLO for two missing adult men, 46-year-old John Rankin Morris and 37-year-old Stephen Walker.
The investigation took a significant turn when law enforcement in Park County received a “check the welfare” call on December 24. Deputies responding to a residence on Campfire Road near Hartsel, Colorado, located a black 2013 Audi A4, matching the description of a vehicle tied to the missing persons case.
The vehicle was found near a trailhead approximately half a mile from the residence.
Park County deputies contacted EPCSO Investigations, and upon further investigation, it was determined that the resident of the Park County home had indirect ties to the missing persons case in El Paso County. A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of a deceased adult male.
Due to the suspicious nature of the crime, which is being treated as a possible homicide, both the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the EPCSO requested assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As part of the investigation, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is now searching for a blue 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which has a distinct “HUNTER” sticker on the left fender and Colorado license plate TQQ039. The vehicle may be in Colorado or en route to Mississippi.
Authorities are also seeking information on the whereabouts of several individuals connected to the case.
Stephen Walker, 37, is described as an adult male, 5’11” and 160 lbs, with tan skin, black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his right arm. He is considered missing under suspicious circumstances.
Johnny Rankin Morris, 46, is a person of interest in the case, described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, with short-cut brown and gray hair, blue eyes, and a tattoo on his right ear.
Hailey Diane Cole, 43, is also a person of interest, described as 5’5”, 145 lbs, with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes.
Both Morris and Cole are considered armed and dangerous, and authorities urge the public to contact 911 if they are seen.
The identity of the deceased individual in Park County will be confirmed by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which is conducting the autopsy. The investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding the case or the missing F-150 pickup truck is encouraged to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve. According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 30, 2024 3:42 pm ET
From left, Stephen Walker, Johnny Rankin Morris, Hailey Cole.
A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood in unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado.
Upon arrival, deputies found large quantities of blood in multiple locations throughout the home, prompting them to issue a BOLO for two missing adult men, 46-year-old John Rankin Morris and 37-year-old Stephen Walker.
The investigation took a significant turn when law enforcement in Park County received a “check the welfare” call on December 24. Deputies responding to a residence on Campfire Road near Hartsel, Colorado, located a black 2013 Audi A4, matching the description of a vehicle tied to the missing persons case.
The vehicle was found near a trailhead approximately half a mile from the residence.
Park County deputies contacted EPCSO Investigations, and upon further investigation, it was determined that the resident of the Park County home had indirect ties to the missing persons case in El Paso County. A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of a deceased adult male.
Due to the suspicious nature of the crime, which is being treated as a possible homicide, both the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the EPCSO requested assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As part of the investigation, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is now searching for a blue 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which has a distinct “HUNTER” sticker on the left fender and Colorado license plate TQQ039. The vehicle may be in Colorado or en route to Mississippi.
Authorities are also seeking information on the whereabouts of several individuals connected to the case.
Stephen Walker, 37, is described as an adult male, 5’11” and 160 lbs, with tan skin, black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his right arm. He is considered missing under suspicious circumstances.
Johnny Rankin Morris, 46, is a person of interest in the case, described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, with short-cut brown and gray hair, blue eyes, and a tattoo on his right ear.
Hailey Diane Cole, 43, is also a person of interest, described as 5’5”, 145 lbs, with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes.
Both Morris and Cole are considered armed and dangerous, and authorities urge the public to contact 911 if they are seen.
The identity of the deceased individual in Park County will be confirmed by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which is conducting the autopsy. The investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding the case or the missing F-150 pickup truck is encouraged to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Police Search for Persons of Interest Connected to Body Found in Colorado
A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve. According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood
By Jacob Charles
Published: December 30, 2024 3:42 pm ET
From left, Stephen Walker, Johnny Rankin Morris, Hailey Cole.
A missing persons case in Colorado has expanded into a homicide investigation after the discovery of a deceased man on Christmas Eve.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), the investigation began with a call for service on December 19, when deputies responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, a neighborhood in unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado.
Upon arrival, deputies found large quantities of blood in multiple locations throughout the home, prompting them to issue a BOLO for two missing adult men, 46-year-old John Rankin Morris and 37-year-old Stephen Walker.
The investigation took a significant turn when law enforcement in Park County received a “check the welfare” call on December 24. Deputies responding to a residence on Campfire Road near Hartsel, Colorado, located a black 2013 Audi A4, matching the description of a vehicle tied to the missing persons case.
The vehicle was found near a trailhead approximately half a mile from the residence.
Park County deputies contacted EPCSO Investigations, and upon further investigation, it was determined that the resident of the Park County home had indirect ties to the missing persons case in El Paso County. A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of a deceased adult male.
Due to the suspicious nature of the crime, which is being treated as a possible homicide, both the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the EPCSO requested assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As part of the investigation, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is now searching for a blue 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck, which has a distinct “HUNTER” sticker on the left fender and Colorado license plate TQQ039. The vehicle may be in Colorado or en route to Mississippi.
Authorities are also seeking information on the whereabouts of several individuals connected to the case.
Stephen Walker, 37, is described as an adult male, 5’11” and 160 lbs, with tan skin, black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his right arm. He is considered missing under suspicious circumstances.
Johnny Rankin Morris, 46, is a person of interest in the case, described as 5’9”, 150 lbs, with short-cut brown and gray hair, blue eyes, and a tattoo on his right ear.
Hailey Diane Cole, 43, is also a person of interest, described as 5’5”, 145 lbs, with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes.
Both Morris and Cole are considered armed and dangerous, and authorities urge the public to contact 911 if they are seen.
The identity of the deceased individual in Park County will be confirmed by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which is conducting the autopsy. The investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding the case or the missing F-150 pickup truck is encouraged to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 719-390-5555.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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