Authorities in Mississippi arrested a 46-year-old man this week on charges related to the killing of his 37-year-old housemate in southern Colorado and separate charges of killing another man. Johnny Rankin Morris was arrested along with Hailey Cole, 43, who also faces charges in the second murder case.

Morris is being held without bond until he is extradited back to Colorado, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

Morris is charged with murder in the death of his housemate Stephen Walker. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says Morris and Hailey Cole, 43, also face charges of killing Timmy Huston of Hartsel, Colorado.

The arrests of Morris and Cole in Poplarville, Mississippi, on Monday follow a multiple-week investigation in Colorado’s El Paso County which started out as a missing person case.

 The missing person investigation began on Dec. 19 at a home in the Cimarron Hills community in an unincorporated part of the county. The home is on the 1800 block of Pima Drive and blood was found in the garage. Five days later police found first the car of Walker and then body of Walker in what the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office called a “wooded area” in neighboring Park County. On the same day, about a mile-and-a-half away, Huston was found dead in his home.

Police say they think Morris and Cole drove Huston’s pickup truck out of state. Last weekend the truck was found in Lamar County, Mississippi. Two days later the pair was arrested.

An arrest warrant was issued in the Walker case, and on Friday the sheriff’s office announced that Morris faces the following charges in Walker’s death:

– first-degree murder
– tampering with a deceased human body
– tampering with physical evidence

The Colorado Bureau of investigation said on Friday an arrest warrant was issued for Morris and Cole on the following charges relating to Huston’s death:

– first-degree murder
– aggravated robbery
– motor vehicle theft
– tampering with evidence

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal called Walker’s death a “tragic situation” in a news release.

“I speak for my entire Office when I say our heartfelt prayers are with Mr. Walker’s family and friends as they navigate this,” he said in a prepared statement. “Although there is no way to ease their broken hearts, we hope to ease their burden by holding the individual who senselessly took Stephen’s life accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

A judge has sealed the arrest documents in the Walker case.

Anyone who has information about the investigation who thinks they can help the sheriff’s office in the ongoing investigations is asked to call their tip line at 719-520-7777.

BJ Green’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft represents a significant milestone for both his career and the Colorado Buffaloes football program. As one of Colorado’s defensive anchors, Green’s departure signals the loss of a key playmaker but highlights the program’s increasing prominence under Coach Deion Sanders.

Green transferred to Colorado from Arizona State ahead of the 2024 season and immediately became an impact player. His leadership and on-field production helped propel the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and a fourth-place finish in the Big 12. Green’s defensive dominance was reflected in his stat line—33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses consistently made him a cornerstone of Colorado’s defensive unit.

Over his collegiate career, Green demonstrated remarkable durability and performance. In four seasons split between Arizona State and Colorado, he accumulated 93 tackles, 21 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His tenure at Arizona State showcased his early potential, recording 60 tackles (21 for loss), 13.5 sacks, and a forced fumble across 36 games. Notably, Green never missed a game throughout his collegiate career, a testament to his resilience and preparation.

Green’s growth as a player was shaped by the mentorship of Coach Prime, former defensive end coach Vincent Dancy, and NFL legend Warren Sapp. Their guidance helped refine his technique and develop his instincts, making him a formidable force on the field and a coveted NFL prospect. His second-team All-Pac-12 honor in 2023 serves as further validation of his talent and work ethic.

WATCH: Warren Sapp laid out by Colorado Buffaloes player in practice

While Green’s departure leaves a void, it underscores Colorado’s evolution into a program capable of producing NFL-caliber talent. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter also eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffaloes face a critical transition period. However, Coach Sanders’ reputation for attracting top-tier talent ensures that Colorado’s upward trajectory will continue.

BJ Green’s journey reflects the spirit of Colorado’s football resurgence—a blend of opportunity, grit, and development that positions players for success at the next level. His NFL aspirations are not just personal achievements but markers of the program’s bright future.