Additional Coverage:
An armed felon with a history of violent crime and suspected in multiple homicides across two states was apprehended after a two-day extensive search. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was arrested near a wooded area in Morrilton, Arkansas, by local and state police on Thursday morning.
Authorities in Conway County, Arkansas, announced Drake was caught close to a Walmart, hiding near University Boulevard and Poor Farm Road. His capture relates to his alleged involvement in the deaths of a man and woman discovered inside an Oklahoma business Tuesday evening, as reported by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, Drake faces accusations for the May 14 murder of 62-year-old Russell Andrews in Alabama, detailed by deputies from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Held at the Conway County Detention Center, Drake’s extensive criminal background is under scrutiny, though recent details about his detainment have been scarce. Identified previously residing in Birmingham, Alabama, Drake allegedly used a fake identity while in Tuscaloosa just weeks before one of the suspected murders, according to Sheriff’s Capt. Jack Kennedy.
Among the victims of the Oklahoma killings is Taylor Sharp, as identified by his family in a poignant plea on social media for caution and prayers. Linda Biggs, a relative of Taylor Sharp, demanded justice for her nephew through a Facebook post.
The search for Drake initiated when Morrilton Police were alerted by state police about a stolen vehicle linked to an Oklahoma murder scene, found at a local hotel. Warnings were issued by Arkansas State Police to the Morrilton community, indicating that Drake might still be in the vicinity after purchasing camping supplies.
Drake’s criminal records reveal a lengthy history of severe offenses, including burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault against a law officer. A 2010 conviction resulted in a 22-year sentence for carjacking, illegal firearm possession, and using a weapon during the crime.
Drake once threatened a man with a .45 caliber pistol following a grocery store visit, resulting in a police chase that ended with a crash and Drake’s arrest. At that time, Drake was also under investigation for other crimes across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alabama, per the Tuscaloosa FBI office.