Murder Suspect from Oklahoma Found in Paducah

A two-day joint investigation conducted by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshals and the ATF led to the arrests in Paducah of a murder suspect from Oklahoma City and two others.



According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, deputies received information from Oklahoma City police that a homicide suspect, 23-year-old Travis Richards, had allegedly fled to Paducah. The homicide allegedly occurred December 27 in Oklahoma City and law enforcement had secured an arrest warrant for Richards for murder and other related crimes. Deputies followed up on leads and interviewed multiple individuals over the past two days attempting to locate Richards.



On Wednesday afternoon a patrol deputy observed a vehicle with Oklahoma license plates believed to be occupied by Richards on Bridge Street in Paducah. As the deputy moved to stop the vehicle, the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of the Dollar General, and Richards fled on foot.



Anthony James of Luther, OK and Melony Hatton of Paducah remained in the vehicle. Both James and Hatton were arrested after the alleged discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.



Paducah police assisted in the attempt to locate Richards. A short time later U.S. Marshals indicated that they obtained a possible location for Richards in a nearby trailer park, where Richards was arrested without incident.  Police say Richards initially attempted to shield himself with an infant child at the residence.



Deputies say Richards and James had traveled to Paducah approximately seven days ago. James admitted that he knew Richards was being sought in connection with the shooting.  Police say he initially attempted to hide Richards' identity, in an attempt to keep Richards from being apprehended.



All three individuals were booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.     



 



Arrested: Travis Richards, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Charges: Warrant for Murder and Possession of a Firearm By Convicted Felon, three bench warrants for Contempt of Court in McCracken County



Arrested: Anthony James, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Charges: Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and traffic violations



Arrested: Melony Hatton, Paducah, KY

Charges: Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Morphine, Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia