May 12,13, 1946
Hunt for Phantom moves into Oklahoma
Suspect taken as hunt moves into Okla.
Possible link with Texarkana
Atoka County Sheriff L.O. McBride announced today he was holding a man for investigation in connection with the attack on a rancher's wife here last Friday
The man was arrested at Paris, Texas and returned here for questioning after a man threatened to kill Mrs. W.E. Harmon when she refused to give him food, the sheriff said.
Mrs Harmon told police the man boasted of killing three women in Texarkana, Texas. A so-called phantom slayer is believed responsible for five slayings at Texarkana in recent weeks.
A Posse, aided by bloodhounds, was formed to search for Mrs. Harmon's assailant, but he eluded it.
Beard Factor in Possible Identification
Mrs. Harmon identified the gloves of the man held for investigation as those worn by the man who threatened her. She said, however, while the suspect was clean shaven, the man who had come to her door begging for food was bearded.
The 33 year old suspect is said to have admitted he lived at Lewisville, Arkansas, only 30 miles east of Texarkana
Sheriff W.H. Presley of Bowie County, Texas, Sheriff W.E. Davis of MIller County Arkansas, FBI agent H.S. Hallett and Texas Ranger, Joe Thompson left Texarkana tonight to assist in questioning the suspect.
"Working in Circles", One officer says
Texarkana, May 13
Despite the combined efforts of Texas, Arkansas, county, city and federal officers, no trace of the phantom killer had been found late tonight. Officers said there were no new developments.
"We've been working in circles all week", was the way one officer expressed himself.
Whether the slayer has remained in the area or has left for another section was a matter of conjecture. Some believe the killer was a maniac and if such, that he remained here. Officers accepting this theory said a maniac would likely strike again.
Others are of the opinion that the killer has left the border city area because of the intensive search being conducted. In addition to the scores of officers, many amateur detectives and others who are content with guarding their neighborhoods at night, makes this the most guarded spot in the nation.
Central Headquarters set up by officers
The killer struck last on the night of May 3, when he shot and killed Virgil Starks in his home, 12 miles northeast of here, and seriously wounded Mrs. Starks. Prior to that, two young couples had been slain and another beaten and abused.
Since the first two tragedies occurred in Bowie County, Texas, Rangers of that state conducted their search independently of the Arkansas officers. A central headquarters has been established since the tragedy at the Stark's home and all information and progress is reported to that point. The Texas police have a 3 way radio system on the scene.
Director Jack Porter of the state police doubled his staff in MIller County last week and announced he would keep the officers here until it was deemed safe for them to return to their respective districts.