18- Hour Manhunt Ends
On February 11th approximately 7:20 pm an 18-hour manhunt comes to a close. Malcom Marquis Odom was arrested by Parsons Police at a residence in the 1400 block of Partridge in Parsons.
Odom was the lone suspect in a fatal shooting in the early morning hours of February 11, 2021. Odom was identified by eyewitnesses to the shooting death of Levi Kendricks.
Officers had been following up on various tips for the last 18 hours. Each abandoned house in the area was searched thoroughly by officers while the manhunt ensued. Eventually, with the help of citizens, police were directed to a house on Partridge and a search was conducted for the fugitive. Odom was hiding under a couch in the house when Officer Tyeler Riggs spotted him and ordered him out. Odom was taken into custody from that point without incident. Odom was also wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for felony violations as well. Odom was brought to the Parsons Police Department and booked into the facility until he can be seen by a judge in the Labette County Court.
Parsons Police are requesting the Labette County Attorney's Office charge Odom with the following charges: Murder in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Criminal Carrying of a Weapon, and Criminal use of Weapons.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "This brings another felon to justice in Parsons. I am appreciative to the men and women of the police department that was out in the cold searching houses, wooded areas and following up on every lead all day. I am especially appreciative to the citizens that remembered 'See It, Hear It, Report It' and called the police with information or details that led to the apprehension of a dangerous felon. It is a terrible loss of life and the family and friends of the much too young victim have my deepest condolences. 22 years is not enough time on this earth to live life to its fullest. I mourn the loss of life and pray the family sees justice as we hand the case to the court system."
"Odom's capture will hopefully give citizens the closure they need to rest a little easier tonight. Anytime there is a murder the community goes on high alert and needs to hear the closure of the arrest to be put at ease. I hope this brings the peace of mind in some form," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd.
This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.
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