Stepson Sought In Murder
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: December 12, 2012
A man was shot to death late Wednesday leading to a massive manhunt for the victim's stepson. The person killed has been has been identified as Joseph Hendley, 68, of Cowarts. He was killed in his mobile home along Broad Street.
Hendley is believed to have been gunned down by Michael Allen Tharp, 40, who lives nearby. He is believed driving a 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck. It bears the license plate of OH1T8. Tharp is believed to in possession of a handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.
"This stemmed from type of family dispute," Houston County Sheriff Andy Hughes said. He made no further comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting, pending the outcome of an investigation.
Deputies responded to about 5:45, apparently after receiving a 9-1-1 call and CPR was performed on Hendley. A short time later, crime tape was placed around the scene and investigators worked deep into the night looking for answers.
There have been several reported sightings of the pickup truck sought by investigators but none have turned out to be the one believed involved in the shooting.
