Wilcox County man wanted for murder in Dallas County caught in Georgia

Published 7:50 am Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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A Pine Apple man is wanted for murder in Dallas County.

According to Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson, Rockel Hardy, 44, was captured and arrested by U,S. Federal Agents in Georgia on Monday. Hardy is a suspect in the murder of Samuel Taylor, 38.

Jackson said that Investigators found Taylor shot  and suffering from head injuries a few weeks ago. He said that the Selma Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office worked together on the investigation.

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Jackson also said that Hardy allegedly stuffed the suspect in a trunk. Taylor crawled out and was able to get help, but eventually died. He called it a murder-robbery.

According to Jackson, Hardy will be transported back to Dallas County later this week to face the charges.

“This was a very brutal murder,” Jackson said. “Hardy will be charged with the maximum crime of capital murder.”

Hardy has a previous murder charge. In 2012, Hardy is accused of murdering J.C. Gaines in Minter following an altercation with an assault rifle. Hardy allegedly opened fire on Gaines outside of Benny’s Place, a local bar and grill.