Two Caught in Nearby Pearl River County - Wanted in Colorado Death Investigation

The Pearl River County MS Sheriff's Office has reported on the apprehension 46 year-old Johnny
Rankin Morris and 43 year-old Hailey Diane Cole. The two were wanted as persons of interest in a missing persons case turned into a death investigation out of El Paso County, Colorado.

The Colorado investigation discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County, MS. Based on information developed by Colorado Investigators, and leads sent in by the citizens of Pearl River County, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office began an extensive search of the county areas associated with Morris and Cole.

On Monday (December 30, 2024), the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen concerning a white male matching the description of Morris attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Officers from the Picayune Police Department responded to the area and began a coordinated, methodical search of the area. Morris and Cole were discovered camping in a shed, and taken into custody without incident.

Morris and Cole were booked into the Pearl River County jail on outstanding Mississippi warrants from Mississippi Department of Corrections for failure to appear, Lamar County, MS for receiving stolen property, and Wiggins, MS for contempt of court – failure to appear. In addition, PRCSO investigations at the scene of Morris and Cole’s capture led to Pearl River County charges of commercial burglary and attempted residential burglary.

Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison would like to recognize the excellent work of his Deputies and the responding Picayune Police Department Officers. Sheriff Allison would also like to thank the citizens of Pearl River County for their tips and leads leading to the apprehension of Morris and Cole.