Natchez police say man wanted for murder still in Natchez Tuesday

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 26, 2005

NATCHEZ &045; Natchez Police believe capital murder suspect Steven Kirkley is still in town.

Police Chief Mike Mullins said his department has evidence that shows Kirkley was in a business on Homochitto Street early Tuesday morning.

Kirkley, who escaped from the Marion County jail two weeks ago, was first traced to a break-in on Liberty Road Sunday night.

Email newsletter signup

&uot;We believe he is on foot,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;We are actively searching right now for him in wooded areas and in vacant properties.&uot;

Kirkley may be wearing a camouflage shirt or a light colored T-shirt and jeans. He has three teardrops tattooed under his right eye and a shaved head.

Police have received no information that he is armed.

Kirkley allegedly killed Columbia realtor Janell Hatton last October. He reportedly broke into her house to steal a water jug, shot her, drove her to a rural area, suffocated her and buried her in a shallow grave. He has not yet gone to trial.

Mullins said his officers did a sweep of wooden areas and vacant houses Monday afternoon and night, started again Tuesday morning and continued the process throughout the day.

&uot;There are a lot of wooded areas right here in town,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;There are bayous and creeks. It’s very difficult and very thick. We did it for several hours (Monday) night.&uot;

Two canines trained in tracking are working with officers. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Narcotics are assisting in the search. Mullins said more resources are available if needed.

Anyone who thinks they see Kirkley should call police immediately.

A reward is being offered for his capture. Mullins said anyone calling about Kirkley’s whereabouts should try to not let him know they are calling police but try to keep him in sight and stay on the phone until authorities arrive, if possible.

&uot;I fully expect calls,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;If he is here, he will be seen, and we will receive calls. That’s normally what happens.&uot;

Every lead is followed, and callers do not have to leave their names.

NPD did receive several calls about Kirkley Tuesday.

Kirkley is 27 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 145 pounds. His body is heavily tattooed.

He has been featured on &uot;America’s Most Wanted.&uot;

His profile can be viewed on the Web site at www.americasmostwanted.com, by searching under fugitives.

The Web site says he escaped from the Marion County jail by crawling through air vents.

Anyone with any information can call NPD at 601-445-5565 or Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.