Armed robbers terrorize local couple

By By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Jan. 11, 2002
Meridian businessman Ralph Morgan and his wife, Elizabeth, were in bed about 6:30 a.m. Thursday contemplating what to eat for breakfast when two armed men in masks stormed into their bedroom.
The two men, dressed in camouflage clothing, jumped on their bed and told the couple they were being robbed.
But Morgan said he and his wife soon found out they were in serious danger. The couple was robbed at gunpoint, tied up and thrown into a closet.
The couple cooperated with the burglars, Morgan said, and gave them all the money they had.
Deputies with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are searching for the suspects.
Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said his department is working on a few leads in the case, including evidence recovered from the scene believed to be linked to the suspects.
Mitchell said it appears the suspects entered and exited the house through a back window. An undisclosed amount of money and jewelry was taken from the house, he said.
Morgan said the two masked men stayed in his house for about 30 minutes while they wrecked the house searching for more valuables.
After the two men fled the house, Morgan said he and his wife were able to break free and call 911.
Anyone who thinks they might have information on the incident is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 917-8888. Mitchell said there will be an award for up to $1,000 given to anyone who provides any information that helps lead to the arrest of the two suspects.