UPDATE: Manhunt for Murder Suspect Underway
By: Jordan Vandenberge
Updated: June 20, 2012
Kentucky State Police continue to search for a man wanted for murder. Troopers consider 41-year-old Billy Utley armed and dangerous. He's accused of killing a person in the parking lot of the Wheatcroft Fire Department in Webster County.
Troopers say Utley shot and killed his estranged wife in the parking lot Tuesday evening. He then fled on foot according to investigators. That prompted KSP to obtain a search warrant for his family's farm outside Morganfield, about 20 minutes away from the crime scene Kentucky State Police Sgt. Jason Newby says investigators found boxes of ammunition for a hand gun and a high-powered rifle. Investigators also found a military-style hut on the property as well as Utley's car, according to Sgt. Newby. Investigators say witnesses reported seeing Utley leaving the area with a high-powered rifle and what they described as a large scope.
Utley is a convicted felon and sex-offender. He was recently released from the Webster County Jail. Sgt. Newby also confirmed to Eyewitness News that Utley had allegedly made previous threats to family, saying he didn't plan on going back to jail. Furthermore, Sgt. Newby says Utley stated he was prepared to get into a shootout with authorities.
Troopers believe he is armed and extremely dangerous. It's not clear where Utley might be going or who he might be going with, but citizens should be cautious.
The victim's name has not been released yet. Investigators say her body will be sent to Louisville for Wednesday's autopsy.
Troopers say Utley shot and killed his estranged wife in the parking lot Tuesday evening. He then fled on foot according to investigators. That prompted KSP to obtain a search warrant for his family's farm outside Morganfield, about 20 minutes away from the crime scene Kentucky State Police Sgt. Jason Newby says investigators found boxes of ammunition for a hand gun and a high-powered rifle. Investigators also found a military-style hut on the property as well as Utley's car, according to Sgt. Newby. Investigators say witnesses reported seeing Utley leaving the area with a high-powered rifle and what they described as a large scope.
Utley is a convicted felon and sex-offender. He was recently released from the Webster County Jail. Sgt. Newby also confirmed to Eyewitness News that Utley had allegedly made previous threats to family, saying he didn't plan on going back to jail. Furthermore, Sgt. Newby says Utley stated he was prepared to get into a shootout with authorities.
Troopers believe he is armed and extremely dangerous. It's not clear where Utley might be going or who he might be going with, but citizens should be cautious.
The victim's name has not been released yet. Investigators say her body will be sent to Louisville for Wednesday's autopsy.
