A man linked to the death of an Alabama woman, who had been missing since late December, may be hiding from authorities in Georgia, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office officials said.
The sheriff’s office issued arrest warrants for Frederick Hampton, who they believe may have disposed of the body of Paighton Houston, Chief David Agee said in a news conference Thursday.
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Houston had been missing since Dec. 21, when she was seen leaving Tin Roof Bar in Birmingham. Her remains were discovered Jan. 3 in a shallow grave behind a house on Chapel Drive in Hueytown, which is 13 miles west of Birmingham, Agee said Friday.
“What we know is that no physical trauma to the body of the victim could have led to her death,” Agee said at the televised news conference.
When Houston was reported missing, family members said she willingly left the bar with two men, according to WUSA 9. However, the 29-year-old later texted a friend saying she didn't know where she was and felt could be "in trouble."
Police believe Hampton mishandled and disposed of Houston’s body. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office filed charges against Hampton for abuse of corpse and violating the sex offender notification act. The 50-year-old faces a $60,000 bond once taken into custody.
“The next step is to find Hampton and to take him into custody,” Agee said.
Hampton has previously been registered as a sex offender, and Agee said he believes Hampton has fled to Georgia to avoid being formally charged.
The Birmingham Police Department, Trussville Police Department, Hueytown Police Department and other agencies are assisting in this case.
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