HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — Authorities are searching for a 63-year-old man accused of killing his father after an elderly man was found dead Monday night at a residence in Henderson County.
According to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse was notified at approximately 8:30 p.m. on May 11, 2026, that a deceased person had been discovered at a home on Rush Road in the Golden Oaks subdivision in the Payne Springs area.
Deputies, along with investigators from the Henderson County District Attorney's Office and the Texas Rangers, responded to the residence to begin the investigation.
Authorities identified the deceased man as 84-year-old Johnny Medford.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence from Scott McKee, judge of the 392nd Judicial District Court.
During the investigation, authorities learned that 63-year-old Ronny Medford had reportedly been picked up from the residence earlier in the day in a possible black SUV. Deputies began searching for him in an effort to question him about the incident.
According to investigators, evidence discovered during the search of the home indicated that Ronny Medford killed his father.
Jamie Fawns, justice of the peace for Precinct 2, responded to the scene and conducted an inquest into Johnny Medford’s death. An autopsy was ordered through the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Authorities said Judge McKee later issued an arrest warrant charging Ronny Medford with murder.
On Tuesday, investigators obtained a photograph of the vehicle believed to have picked up Ronny Medford from the residence.
Officials said Ronny Medford remains at large and asked the public for help locating him.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office at 903-675-5128 or Henderson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-TIPS.
