Manhunt continues for murder suspect; reward now offered

Published 4:21 pm Friday, June 8, 2012

Authorities are continuing their hunt for Deandra Marquis Lee in connection with the killing of three people in Lowndes County earlier this week.

U.S. Marshals, helping with the hunt for murder suspect Deandra Marquis Lee, are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. This is in addition to another $5,000 reward offered by Montgomery resident Mark Kitchens.

Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said dozens of law enforcement agents are working leads within Selma, including one that took place shortly before noon Friday on Weaver Street.

The Times-Journal witnessed the street partially blocked off as agents surrounded the home located at 802 Weaver Street. Agents, carrying high-powered assault rifles, handguns and wearing body armor were seen around the house and in neighboring streets and wooded areas.

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Authorities at the scene told the Times-Journal that tips on Lee’s whereabouts had lead them to the house but that Lee was not there.

On Thursday, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, the agency leading the manhunt and murder investigation, announced Lee was likely in the Selma area.

Lee is wanted in connection to the killing of 9-year-old twins, Jordan and Taylor Dejerinett and 73-year-old Jack Mac Girdner.

Their bodies were found dumped along a dirt road off of Alabama Highway 21 in Lowndes County Tuesday. Girdner’s car, a white 1988 Mercedes, was reported missing, but was discovered Wednesday in the Minter community in south Dallas County with all four doors missing.

“This man is a danger to anyone, he is a danger to society and he is a danger to law enforcement,” Riley said, commenting that Lee is believed to be armed and dangerous. “We’ve already seen what this man is capable of. As far as I am concerned, if anyone is caught offering aid and comfort to him, they should be charged accordingly.”

Anyone with information on Lee’s whereabouts should contact ABI Special Agent Matt Bowman at 242-1142 or any local law enforcement agency.

Those who wish to remain anonymous when giving information to authorities should call the ABI’s Crime Tip Line at 800-392-8011.