James Messer

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Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

LAUREL CREEK - Separate criminal acts that occurred Friday evening in Mingo County are thought to be linked to two suspects with extensive criminal records and who are currently on parole.

Friday evening at approximately 8:05 p.m., Mingo County 911 received a call reporting that Ronnie Glen and Leanna Richards had returned to their home on Marrowbone Creek and discovered the back door of the dwelling had been kicked in. Upon further investigation, the homeowners discovered they were missing 3 long guns, 1 handgun and several bottles of prescription medication. Suspects were identified and a search, headed by Mingo County Sheriff’s Deputy E. Williams, began for two men who have become what is described as “frequent flyers” within the Mingo County judicial system.

While wrapping up the investigation of the Marrowbone residence and performing a search for the two suspects, Williams was dispatched to a Laurel Creek residence where two men reportedly had committed a home invasion and burglary. Upon arrival at the scene, the deputy was immediately told that the victims had recognized the voices of the two men who broke into their home; duct taped their hands and feet and threatened their lives; even though they could not see their faces due to the fact that they were wearing ski masks. They were said to have attributed their recognition of the voices so quickly to one reason, that being that the one of the perpetrators was their neighbor and the other an acquaintance.

The scenes that played out during the home invasion at the home of William and Vicki Evans are ones that would put terror into the minds of anyone who read and hear about it. Vicki told Deputy Williams that shortly before midnight on Friday; she was coming out of the bathroom when she observed through the window someone lurking around her vehicle. She stated that she went outside to run the person off when a second individual came toward her from where they were hiding at the side of the house, pointed a gun at her and forced her back inside the residence.

Upon entering, William and Vicki’s mother, who was staying with them, were roused from their sleep by the masked gunmen. William was then escorted to his safe and was told to open the lock. When the first two attempts to work the combination failed, one defendant placed the barrel of the gun he was holding against the victim’s head, allegedly saying, “I will blow your brains out if you don’t open the safe.”

Once the men obtained entry into the safe, they reportedly stole an undisclosed amount of money, jewelry, 2 case knives and prescription medication before exiting the home. The victims were all made to lay face down on the floor and their hands were duct taped together, as well as William’s feet. Fortunately, one of the victims was able to get free of the duct tape and proceeded to call for help after the defendants fled.

The MCSD are on the lookout for Danny Colegrove, Jr. of Laurel Creek, and James Cecil Messer, of Jennings Creek. Both men have been in trouble with the law on numerous accounts throughout the years and are currently on parole for other crimes. Sgt. Joe Smith told the Daily News they are requesting the assistance of the public in locating and apprehending these two defendants, who are wanted on charges of 3 counts of kidnapping, 1st degree armed robbery, grand larceny and conspiracy. They are thought to still be in possession of the stolen firearms and the officers urge anyone who comes in contact with them to use extreme caution and to contact the MCSD immediately.

“We know from past experiences with these two men and seeing what they did to the victims at the Laurel Creek residence that they possess a violent nature,” stated Deputy Williams. “If anyone knows where they are hiding out, we ask that you contact our office and provide the information as to their whereabouts, before they get the chance to commit this crime against someone else.”

If have information regarding Colegrove and Messer, you are asked to contact the MCSD at 304-235-0300. You do not have to provide your name, they’re only interested in the information you may have that will lead them to these two wanted criminals.