Topline: Colorado investigators discovered both suspects had familial ties to Pearl River County, MS, and authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with the suspects.
Published: January 6, 2025 5:50 pm ET
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Johnny Rankin Morris, middle. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff's Department)
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS – Authorities have made a breakthrough in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of two suspects who were wanted in connection to the homicide investigation stemming from the death of a man in Colorado.
According to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, Johnny Rankin Morris and Hailey Diane Cole, were discovered by law enforcement officials camping in a shed in a remote area near Pearl River County, Mississippi, on Monday, December 30.
The two were taken into custody without incident.
Colorado investigators discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County, Mississippi.
Based on information developed by investigators, and leads sent in by the citizens, authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with Morris and Cole.
On December 30, at approximately 8:15 AM, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen concerning a white male matching the description of Morris attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Officers from the Picayune Police Department responded to the area and began a coordinated, methodical search of the area.
At approximately 9:00 AM, Morris and Cole were discovered camping in a shed, and taken into custody without incident.
Hailey Cole. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department)
The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office is in close contact, and coordinating with Colorado law enforcement.
The case began when deputies responded to a home in Cimarron Hills, Colorado, on December 19, discovering large amounts of blood and initiating a missing persons investigation. The discovery of the deceased man in Park County on Christmas Eve further escalated the investigation. Morris and Cole had been considered armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to caution the public to avoid approaching them.
Morris and Cole are also facing charges related to the homicide and other potential crimes. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death.
The identity of the deceased has yet to be publicly confirmed, but an autopsy is being conducted. The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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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Colorado investigators discovered both suspects had familial ties to Pearl River County, MS, and authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with the suspects.
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Published: January 6, 2025 5:50 pm ET
Johnny Rankin Morris, middle. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff's Department)
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS – Authorities have made a breakthrough in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of two suspects who were wanted in connection to the homicide investigation stemming from the death of a man in Colorado.
According to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, Johnny Rankin Morris and Hailey Diane Cole, were discovered by law enforcement officials camping in a shed in a remote area near Pearl River County, Mississippi, on Monday, December 30.
The two were taken into custody without incident.
Colorado investigators discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County, Mississippi.
Based on information developed by investigators, and leads sent in by the citizens, authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with Morris and Cole.
On December 30, at approximately 8:15 AM, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen concerning a white male matching the description of Morris attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Officers from the Picayune Police Department responded to the area and began a coordinated, methodical search of the area.
At approximately 9:00 AM, Morris and Cole were discovered camping in a shed, and taken into custody without incident.
Hailey Cole. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department)
The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office is in close contact, and coordinating with Colorado law enforcement.
The case began when deputies responded to a home in Cimarron Hills, Colorado, on December 19, discovering large amounts of blood and initiating a missing persons investigation. The discovery of the deceased man in Park County on Christmas Eve further escalated the investigation. Morris and Cole had been considered armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to caution the public to avoid approaching them.
Morris and Cole are also facing charges related to the homicide and other potential crimes. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death.
The identity of the deceased has yet to be publicly confirmed, but an autopsy is being conducted. The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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
Mississippi Police Track Down Persons of Interest Connected to Body Found in Colorado
Colorado investigators discovered both suspects had familial ties to Pearl River County, MS, and authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with the suspects.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 6, 2025 5:50 pm ET
Johnny Rankin Morris, middle. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff's Department)
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS – Authorities have made a breakthrough in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of two suspects who were wanted in connection to the homicide investigation stemming from the death of a man in Colorado.
According to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, Johnny Rankin Morris and Hailey Diane Cole, were discovered by law enforcement officials camping in a shed in a remote area near Pearl River County, Mississippi, on Monday, December 30.
The two were taken into custody without incident.
Colorado investigators discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County, Mississippi.
Based on information developed by investigators, and leads sent in by the citizens, authorities began an extensive search of the county areas associated with Morris and Cole.
On December 30, at approximately 8:15 AM, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen concerning a white male matching the description of Morris attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Officers from the Picayune Police Department responded to the area and began a coordinated, methodical search of the area.
At approximately 9:00 AM, Morris and Cole were discovered camping in a shed, and taken into custody without incident.
Hailey Cole. (Photo via Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department)
The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office is in close contact, and coordinating with Colorado law enforcement.
The case began when deputies responded to a home in Cimarron Hills, Colorado, on December 19, discovering large amounts of blood and initiating a missing persons investigation. The discovery of the deceased man in Park County on Christmas Eve further escalated the investigation. Morris and Cole had been considered armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to caution the public to avoid approaching them.
Morris and Cole are also facing charges related to the homicide and other potential crimes. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death.
The identity of the deceased has yet to be publicly confirmed, but an autopsy is being conducted. The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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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