Mississippi man charged with double murder arrested in Russellville

Officers with the Russellville Police Department arrested a Mississippi man this weekend accused of killing an elderly couple in their Fulton, Miss., home.

Jake Howard Carpenter, 30, 485 Spencer Rd., Fulton, Miss., was arrested early Saturday morning by the RPD on warrants for grand larceny and two counts of murder.

According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, authorities with the Itawamba County Sheriff’s Department contacted the RPD on Friday and stated they had reason to believe Carpenter was in the area since his girlfriend lived in Russellville.

“We were informed Carpenter was wanted in connection with a double homicide and were given a description of the vehicle he was driving,” Hargett said. “Patrol officers were able to locate the vehicle at the Westside housing projects and, after making contact with the owner of the apartment, took Carpenter into custody without incident.”

According to reports, Carpenter is accused of murdering Fred House, 77, and his wife, Mildred, 79, on Thursday morning at their home, which was just down the road from where Carpenter lived.

The elderly couple was discovered about 9:30 p.m. on Friday by their son and, due to physical evidence, authorities said they were able to develop Carpenter as a suspect.

Officials said the motive for the murders appears to be robbery.

Carpenter is scheduled to be extradited back to Itawamba County Monday morning.