Disturbing details have emerged regarding a man who disappeared from a Colorado home last year. The investigation into his disappearance led authorities to uncover a gruesome double murder.
The case centers around Johnny Rankin Morris, 46, who is accused of killing two men: 37-year-old Stephen Walker in El Paso County and 65-year-old Timmy Huston in Park County, Colorado.
The Discovery of the Crime Scene
The investigation began after authorities were called to a sober living home where Morris and Walker lived. Another roommate found large amounts of blood in the garage and noticed the two men were missing.
Additional evidence, including a strong smell of bleach and blood-soaked items, raised suspicions. Among the findings were a 10-pound dumbbell and a hammer, both covered in blood, leading investigators to fear a violent crime had taken place.
Surveillance Footage and the Escape
Surveillance footage from the area revealed that Walker’s car had been taken. The footage showed Hailey Cole, 43, an acquaintance of Morris, getting into Walker’s vehicle, with Morris seen in the passenger seat. Police soon found the car abandoned on Christmas Eve in Park County, where they discovered the body of Timmy Huston.
The Connection to Timmy Huston’s Death
Huston, a friend of Cole, was reportedly called by her to borrow his vehicle, which was supposed to be returned before the new year. However, Cole and Morris allegedly killed Huston after arriving at his home.
They used a hammer to attack him, eventually leading to his death. Authorities found Huston’s body inside his home, confirming their worst suspicions.
Morris and Cole’s Flight Across States
After committing the murders, Morris and Cole allegedly fled across multiple states in Huston’s truck. Authorities in Mississippi apprehended them after they attempted a break-in but failed. They were caught in a shed, and Morris was arrested for unrelated crimes.
The Confession and the Investigation
In interviews with authorities, Cole reportedly detailed Morris’ admission of the murders. According to her, Morris confessed to killing Walker with a hammer and a dumbbell.
He also claimed responsibility for murdering Huston with a hammer after stealing his phone and money. The couple allegedly disposed of Walker’s body in a culvert before moving on to their next crime.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Johnny Rankin Morris is scheduled to go on trial later this year for the murders, while Hailey Cole will have her preliminary hearing in September. Both face serious charges related to the killings and other offenses.
