Cassie Mullens-Head, a 38-year-old woman from Wright City, Oklahoma, tragically lost her life in a double homicide on April 26, 2021, in Paris, Texas. She was identified as one of the victims along with Ronald Edward Hostetler Jr., 53, from Paris, Texas. The incident occurred at a home in the northwest part of Lamar County.
Following the murders, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive investigation.
Two suspects, James Henry Elrod III and Carylon Lynell Elrod, were identified and subsequently arrested. James Henry Elrod III was charged with murder, while Carylon Lynell Elrod was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The suspects were found hiding in a camper in Hayworth, Oklahoma, and were taken into custody with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lamar County Sheriff's Office, Texas Ranger McNeal, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, US Marshal’s Service, McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office in De Queen, Arkansas.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had been living at the residence of the deceased and fled the scene in a vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered, and arrest warrants were issued for both suspects. The case highlighted the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspects and bringing them to justice.
The tragic loss of Cassie Mullens-Head and Ronald Edward Hostetler Jr. deeply affected their families and the community. The Lamar County Sheriff's Office and other involved agencies expressed their condolences and commended the teamwork that led to the arrests.
The investigation into the double homicide continues as authorities work to gather more evidence and build a comprehensive case against the suspects.
