Fourth Man Arrested in Paul Browning Jr. Murder
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Updated: 12:19 AM Dec 9, 2008
Fourth Man Arrested in Paul Browning Jr. Murder
A former sheriff's deputy becomes the fourth man to be arrested in connection with the 2002 murder of former Harlan County Sheriff Paul Browning, Jr.
Posted: 12:08 AM Dec 9, 2008
Reporter: Dara Rees
Email Address: dara.rees@wymtnews.com
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Police say Roger Hall paid to have Browning killed.

Paul Browning, III says the feelings still haven't sunk in yet, but he says the arrest was a long time coming, "Roger had always seemed to be the missing link."

Walt Meachum, with the Kentucky State Police say, "The indictment warrants came down for complicity of murder and trafficking in a controlled substance first degree of Roger Hall."

After Dewayne Harris, Johnny Epperson, and Raymond Harris were arrested for the roles they played in his father's murder, Browning says he knew more people were involved. "We felt a fair amount of justice from that, knowing what happened during the last 15, 20 minutes of my father's life. But there were many many minutes hours and days leading up to that."

Browning says he knew Hall for years and even worked side by side with him at a car dealership in town until Monday's arrest.

"We're very glad to see the case, the investigation turn towards him so that perhaps the whole truth can come out now," he says.

Browning says people ask about the case daily and remind him what his father did for the community. "People still come up to me and say 'When your father was sheriff, there was really a difference made in my neighborhood, there was really a difference made on my street, there was really a difference made in my house'."

The Browning family hopes this latest arrest will lead to more answers.

"What we have wanted all along and still want to this day is to know the entire truth, that is the most important thing," says Browning.

Browning says he hopes this arrest will help his mother heal and says he's happy where they are now at this point in the case. Hall is in the Harlan County Detention Center under a one million dollar bond.

Now a look back at some of the events that led up to the latest arrest in the Browning case.

In March, 2002, during his campaign for sheriff in Harlan County, Paul Browning junior was found shot in the head in a burned pick-up truck in a remote section of Bell County.

In April, 2002, a videotape that was secretly recorded before his death showed Browning accepting money from a well known drug dealer, Dewayne Harris, in exchange for favors.

In June, 2004, another man seen in that videotape, Johnny Epperson ,was arrested in connection with Browning's murder. He pleaded guilty in 2006.

In July, 2005, police arrested Raymond Harris, the person they believe actually killed Browning. He was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to life in prison.

Dewayne Harris, who is Raymond Harris' nephew, also pleaded guilty to his role in the murder a few months ago.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Harlan on Dec 28, 2008 at 11:24 PM

I also think it will be interesting who all Roger tells on. I think it is about time he is in jail. I also feel sorry for Edna Harris's family too... She's not her to tell her side of the story, and to stand up for her self.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 9, 2008 at 04:07 PM

hmmm cops going bad
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Harlan on Dec 9, 2008 at 07:30 AM

I wonder who else will be involved. I think it will be interesting when Roger tells who was behind him.I wonder if they will go that bond.
[ Report Abuse ]
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