Update on the Kingman Gold Lady Murders - Suspect Dead

[Dakota Slim]

Wow.

"the Lake Havasu City Police Department SWAT team located McGuire and Branek and found them lying beside each other deceased. McGuire had a rifle laying on his chest. McGuire and Branek each had a single gunshot wound to the head, McGuire’s being self-inflicted. It is unknown if McGuire shot Branek, or if she had shot herself."

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION/ WANTED SUSPECT HUNTER MCGUIRE UPDATE

On Wednesday (10/19), the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in reference to a murder that had occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 17th, 2022. During the course of the investigation, LVMPD Detectives had identified the suspect in the murder as Hunter McGuire, 26 of Kingman. McGuire’s girlfriend, identified as Samantha Branek, 32 of Kingman, was observed on video as pawning evidence of the murder the same day. McGuire and Branek were known to be in Branek’s vehicle, a silver Hyundai bearing Arizona registration K8A1B2A.

An arrest warrant for murder was issued out of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for both McGuire and Branek reference the murder that had occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 17th. Detectives received information that McGuire had been hiding in Las Vegas due to being sought by law enforcement for a double murder in Kingman, Arizona, involving the “Gold Lady” and her male companion that occurred on June 28, 2022. Video surveillance and photographs obtained of McGuire had similarities in relationship to video surveillance recovered in the murder of Retta Atkins and Darren VanHouten in the 9200 block of Dilligaf Rd. in Kingman.

On Wednesday (10/19) at approximately 1:44 PM, Deputies with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the area of S. Centennial Rd. and W. Geronimo Dr. in Golden Valley in reference to a possible Homicide. Upon arrival, Deputies observed a male subject, later identified as Martin Eric Nelson Jr., 35 of Kingman, deceased behind a vehicle. Nelson had an obvious gunshot wound to the head and had succumbed to his injuries. There were no other subjects found on the property. Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

While on scene, a male subject walked up from the remote desert area. The subject, identified as Timothy Wayne Burt, 42 of Kingman, had initially stated that he was present during the death of Nelson and had fled into the desert where he had been hiding for the past twelve hours. Burt stated that he and Nelson had come to the property around 2:00 AM to pick up a trailer that was allegedly stolen from him. Burt said that when they had arrived on the property they were confronted by Hunter McGuire, who began shooting a firearm at them. Burt had initially denied having a firearm on him, however later admitted to having a firearm and returning fire towards McGuire. Burt had also initially stated that he did not have a phone to call for help, however later stated that he did and admitted to calling a girlfriend to pick him up from the scene. Burt stated that he had tossed his firearm somewhere in a wash. Burt’s story changed many times and he was ultimately booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility for Hindering Prosecution, a class 5 felony, with additional charges pending.

A search warrant was executed on the Golden Valley property, which was known to be occupied by Hunter McGuire and Samantha Branek. During the execution of the search warrant, evidence was recovered that was related to the murder of Retta Atkins and Darren VanHouten in June 2022.

On Thursday (10/20), Samantha Branek and a second female, identified as Brittany Conkling, 23 of Kingman, were observed in the above listed vehicle at a truck stop in Yucca, Arizona. The two females were seen buying a large amount of sandwiches and water. The vehicle was then identified as leaving the property and heading into the remote desert area east of Yucca.

On Friday (10/21) at approximately 12:37 PM, Detectives located Samantha Branek’s vehicle traveling on Alamo Rd. from Interstate 40 in Yucca. A deputy in a marked patrol unit came up on the vehicle, at which time the vehicle accelerated to speeds over 80 MPH before the deputy had an opportunity to activate their emergency lights. The vehicle was pursued for approximately 35 miles, where it slid off the road and became disabled. Three subjects then ran from the vehicle into the remote desert area that was heavy populated with trees and brush.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter arrived on scene and was able to provide the suspect’s location to ground units. The male, later identified as Hunter McGuire, was carrying a rifle as the trio ran into the desert. McGuire and one of the females, later identified as Samantha Branek, attempted to conceal themselves underneath a large tree. The third occupant, later identified as Brittany Conkling, hid in a separate location, and later surrendered to law enforcement without incident.

After approximately four hours of negotiations and air surveillance with no response, the Lake Havasu City Police Department SWAT team located McGuire and Branek and found them lying beside each other deceased. McGuire had a rifle laying on his chest. McGuire and Branek each had a single gunshot wound to the head, McGuire’s being self-inflicted. It is unknown if McGuire shot Branek, or if she had shot herself. McGuire was also observed wearing a wig when located. The Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and will be conducting an investigation for an official cause of death. There was additional evidence recovered from this scene that was related to the murder of Retta Atkins and Darren VanHouten.

Conkling admitted to knowing McGuire was wanted for murder and admitted to aiding him. Conkling also attempted to conceal evidence after running from the vehicle. It was later learned that the trio had stocked up with food and water and had been camping out in the remote desert area. Conkling was booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility for Hindering Prosecution, a class 5 felony.

No shots were fired by law enforcement during the apprehension. The apprehension was a collaborative effort with assistance from the MAGNET, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Kingman Police Department, Lake Havasu City Police Department, Bullhead City Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Las Vegas FBI Criminal Apprehension Team, and the dispatch centers of each agency.

Hunter McGuire is a suspect in additional murder investigations which are still ongoing. At this time, no additional information is available as some of these investigations are still ongoing.

https://www.facebook.com/MohaveCountySheriffsOffice/posts/424182969903299

[Dakota Slim]

Here's more on the dead suspect. FOUR MURDERS!!!

KINGMAN - Hunter Allen McGuire, 26, is wanted for allegedly killing a woman in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 17, as well as a homicide in Golden Valley the following day.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office news releases, McGuire was last seen driving a gray or silver Hyundai Elantra with Arizona plate K8A1B2A. McGuire is known to frequent Las Vegas and Kingman.

On Monday LVMPD officers responded to a shooting of a woman who had a dispute with the suspect. According to law enforcement, McGuire fled after the incident.

According to MCSO, law enforcement is currently investigating a homicide that occurred in Golden Valley between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. No information on the victim has been released.

An arrest warrant has been issued for murder with a deadly weapon. McGuire should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Mohave Silent Witness is offering a reward of up to $4,000 for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of McGuire is encouraged to contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753 or call toll free number at 1-800-522-4312 and reference DR# 22-040191.

 

https://kdminer.com/news/2022/oct/20/suspect-homicide-missing-considered-dangerous/

Edited October 22, 2022 by Dakota Slim

[OferAZ]

Doesn’t look like that picture they released right after The Gold Lady murder,  but it was a Surveillance picture.

[Dakota Slim]

4 hours ago, OferAZ said:

Doesn’t look like that picture they released right after The Gold Lady murder,  but it was a Surveillance picture.

Here's that surveillance photo. In the later photo (above) you can see that he has an earring, isn't wearing glasses, and his hair is combed forward. They said he was wearing a wig when his body was found. 

Edited October 23, 2022 by Dakota Slim

[GotAU?]

There was  a fourth person allegedly involved and arrested for hiding evidence as well, Timothy Bert.  Along with the others, Samantha Branek had priors, including $17k credit theft.  What a bunch of upstanding citizens…  what a waste.

 

[OferAZ]

20 hours ago, Dakota Slim said:

Here's that surveillance photo. In the later photo (above) you can see that he has an earring, isn't wearing glasses, and his hair is combed forward. They said he was wearing a wig when his body was found. 

That explains it.

[Dakota Slim]

Here's more....

Bonnie & Clyde-style multi-state murder spree ends with couple dead in Arizona desert

The lovers were suspects in the double homicide of Retta Atkins aka the 'Gold Lady' and her boyfriend Darren VanHouten

https://www.foxnews.com/us/bonnie-clyde-style-multi-state-murder-spree-ends-couple-dead-arizona-desert

[Dakota Slim]

But wait.... THERE'S MORE!!!

UPDATE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION- GOLDEN VALLEY

On Friday (10/28), Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Detectives charged Michael Blaine Turner Jr., 31 of Golden Valley, with Homicide in connection with the death of Joshua William-James Blake, 42 of Golden Valley. Blake was last seen or heard from around August 3, 2022 and was reported missing by family members on August 31, 2022. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Michael Turner Jr. and Hunter McGuire, 26 of Golden Valley, had both allegedly shot and killed Joshua Blake. Blake’s body was then buried on an abandoned property located a short distance from where McGuire was living.

Turner Jr. was living in Blake’s residence, located in the 6200 block of Kingman Trail. Just days before Blake’s disappearance, there had been an argument between the two over non-payment of rent and possible eviction. Blake had also allegedly taken the blame for Turner Jr. shooting a subject at the property on June 8th, 2022 and threatened to go to the police to report Turner Jr. being the actual shooter.

Immediately following Blake’s disappearance, Turner Jr. attempted to notarize a bill of sale in an attempt to take possession of Blake’s residence. Turner Jr. was also found to be in possession of a vehicle that Blake was known to possess and drive. Turner Jr. was driving and was arrested in this vehicle on September 1st, 2022. Turner Jr., a prohibited possessor of firearms, was found to be in possession of a firearm and illegal narcotics during the traffic stop. Turner Jr. had been booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility where he has been in custody since.

On Wednesday (10/26), Detectives had identified the possible burial site of the victim on a property located in the area of S. Sacramento Rd. and W. Geronimo Dr. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the property. Detectives dug around the burial site and located human remains that had been buried approximately three feet down. On Thursday (10/27), the remains were positively identified as Joshua Blake. The current decomposition stage of the body was consistent with the time frame of when Blake had gone missing. An autopsy will be conducted by the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office, who will release the official cause of death.

Turner Jr., who is currently in custody for unrelated charges, was additionally charged with Murder in the First Degree, and remains in the custody at the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility. Hunter McGuire, the second suspect, committed suicide after being pursued by law enforcement on October 21st, 2022, after being identified as committing multiple homicides in Kingman and Las Vegas.

This investigation is still on going and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=428833179438278&set=a.152730647048534

[Dakota Slim]

One more alleged murdered arraigned in this sordid story...
 

KINGMAN — A Golden Valley man was arraigned Wednesday in connection to the August death of his roommate.

Michael Blaine Turner Jr., 31, is charged with first-degree murder and abandonment of a dead body. He is being held on a $1 million bond.

Turner had planned to plead guilty in another case, where he is charged with vehicle theft, a weapons charge and four drug offenses, but his attorney asked to set a status hearing after Turner was arraigned on the murder case.

If found guilty of premeditated murder, Turner could be sentenced to death or natural life in prison.

He also faces up to 7.5 years in prison if convicted of the vehicle theft charge.

Superior Court Judge Doug Camacho scheduled Turner’s next hearing for Dec. 14.

In the vehicle theft case, Turner was arrested Sept. 1 while driving Joshua William-James Blake’s car. He is accused of illegally carrying a gun and in being in possession of illegal narcotics.

In the murder case, Turner and Hunter McGuire, 26, are alleged to have shot and killed Blake, 42, then buried his body on abandoned property near where McGuire had been living.

Blake was last seen Aug. 3 and was reported missing Aug. 31.

Turner had been living at Blake’s home in the 6200 block of Kingman Trail and the two men reportedly were engaged in a dispute about non-payment of rent.

Blake threatened to tell police that Turner had shot someone at the property June 8, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office.

After Blake’s disappearance, Turner reportedly tried to notarize a bill of sale in an attempt to take possession of Blake’s home.

McGuire also was a suspect in the deaths of four other people in the Kingman, Golden Valley and Las Vegas areas.

McGuire and his girlfriend Samantha Branek, 32, of Kingman led police on a high-speed chase Oct. 21 east of Yucca.

After a standoff with authorities, the two were found lying beside each other with gunshot wounds to their heads.

McGuire shot himself, but it is unclear whether he shot Branke or whether she shot herself.

Turner served four years after being sentenced in 2015 for a burglary charge. He also served four years for armed robbery.

https://mohavedailynews.com/news/143875/gv-murder-suspect-arraigned/