Family: Accused Murderer Confessed
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: December 13, 2012
The family of a Houston County man wanted for murdering his stepfather claims he confessed to the shooting death minutes after it happened. Relatives, who asked not to be identified, told WDHN's Megan Hunter that Michael Allen Tharp came to their home and said "I just killed that (explicative omitted)." The body of Joseph Hendley, 68, was found late Wednesday inside his Cowarts mobile home.
Relatives said Tharp went to the victim's home intoxicated, seeking money. He then drove to their house, located nearby, where Tharp confessed. They said Tharp is unemployed and had been living with other relatives. He was last seen driving his stepfather's pickup truck.
"There were two rounds fired," said Sheriff's Office Captain Antonio Gonzalez. "One round struck (Hendley). It looks like it entered through the upper torso area, possibly through the arm and into the chest area." Investigators say a .9mm handgun was used in the shooting.
A massive manhunt targeting Tharp was launched within minutes of the shooting. Several reports have been received from those claiming the Ford F-150 in which Tharp is believed to have fled was spotted. None of the reports have resulted in his apprehension.
Sheriff Andy Hughes said Tharp should be considered armed and dangerous.
