(KNZA)--Since early January, rumors have been rampant in Doniphan County regarding a wild, crowded Highland house party that ended in the death of Johnny Jenkins.
The names of those who may have been involved have been quietly whispered since that time, with community members questioning whether or not justice would be found for the 30-year-old Highland man who served as a White Cloud volunteer firefighter.
The investigation has been in the hands of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, handed off by the Highland Police Department.
Now, new, official details emerge, with the Kansas Chief reporting that an arrest has been made in the case.
51-year-old Highland resident Morton Alfrey, accused in part of hosting the party, complete with underage guests, is in custody on a number of charges, including a felony charge for aggravated intimidation of a witness.
That stems from Alfrey's alleged threat to kill three individuals, named as witnesses in the case of Jenkins' death, to keep them from making a report to law enforcement.
They are named in court documents as Colton Waggoner, Judah Clary and Kyle Alfrey.
Morton Alfrey is held in the Doniphan County Jail on a cash only bond of 200-thousand-dollars in connection with the case.
What exactly happened to Jenkins on the night of January 4th is not spelled out in any public document to date, leaving the KBI to investigate and Doniphan County residents to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the death of the man some say was beaten until he died. Although that claim remains unconfirmed, with the autopsy report not yet released, concerned residents hold to that story, wondering if, and when, the full truth will be told about the death of their neighbor, family member, and friend.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Severe storms move through NE KS
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects