The Latest: Sheriff: Man, woman victims of 'rage killing'

The Latest: Sheriff: Man, woman victims of 'rage killing'


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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Latest on the search for an Oklahoma man suspected of killing two relatives, shooting two police officers and armed vehicle thefts (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

An Oklahoma sheriff says a man and woman found nearly decapitated at a mobile home near Oklahoma City likely were victims of a "rage killing" by a relative angered over a pending sexual assault case.

Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel said Wednesday authorities believe 38-year-old suspect Michael Vance developed a list of potential targets he was upset with because of the criminal case against him.

Vance was scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 7 to face felony child sex abuse charges after a 15-year-old girl accused him of sexually assaulting her.

After a shootout with police in the town of Wellston on Sunday, authorities believe Vance killed two relatives in the town of Luther before fleeing in their car.

Vance remains on the run.

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1:45 p.m.

An Oklahoma sheriff says a man suspected of killing two relatives and shooting two police officers during a violent rampage could be hundreds of miles away in another state or even another country.

Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel told The Associated Press on Wednesday that 38-year-old Michael Vance could be "anywhere from California to Mexico to Florida." Whetsel says it's also possible Vance died if he hasn't received medical treatment since being wounded during a shootout with police in Wellston on Sunday.

Whetsel says the last known sighting of Vance was about 2:30 a.m. Monday at a convenience store in the far western Oklahoma town of Sayre. Authorities say he shot a man in the leg while trying to steal a vehicle in the town that's about 30 miles from the Texas border.

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10:15 a.m.

Authorities say an Oklahoma man suspected of killing two relatives and shooting two police officers during a violent rampage may be planning to target people connected to a criminal case against him.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office spokesman Mark Opgrande says 38-year-old Michael Vance referenced some potential targets during videos he posted live on Facebook while on the run from police.

In one video, Vance mentions the name of a woman and says she knew that he would get his guns and come for her.

Opgrande says some of the people authorities fear may be targeted are connected to a pending criminal case against Vance that alleges he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl.

Opgrande says authorities have warned several people to take precautions while the manhunt for Vance continues.

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6:40 a.m.

An Oklahoma police officer says he engaged in a "firefight" Sunday with a man later accused in the killing of two relatives and several carjackings.

Wellston Police Officer Jim Hampton is one of two officers who were wounded in the encounter with Michael Vance, who remains on the run. Hampton tells Oklahoma City television station KOCO (http://bit.ly/2f6QhbW ) that he shot Vance twice as they responded to a shots fired call in their area, about 35 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.

Hampton says that at one point, he and Vance were facing each other and shooting. Hampton was shot in the foot but has been released from the hospital. A second officer was shot and is also expected to recover.

Hampton says he hopes Vance is apprehended soon, adding: "It's not safe out there until he's caught."

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12 a.m.

The Oklahoma County sheriff says Michael Vance, the man wanted since Sunday in a string of violent crimes including two homicides, had a hit list targeting several more people.

Sheriff John Whetsel told The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2eJMcqE ) on Tuesday that authorities are "extremely concerned about those he may have indicated that he wishes harm to" and noted that the list was mostly people from outside of the county.

Authorities say the 38-year-old Vance posted live videos to social media during a violent rampage on Sunday that included the shooting of two police officers, armed car thefts and the killing of two relatives.

Whetsel also said that law enforcement is providing protection for the people on the alleged hit list.

The FBI is coordinating the search for Vance, who was last seen in western Oklahoma.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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