Johnny Medford Obituary, Henderson County, Found Dead; Investigations Ongoing
A homicide investigation is ongoing in Henderson County after authorities reported that an elderly man was found dead inside his residence and his son is now wanted in connection with the killing.
According to Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, deputies were dispatched at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, to a home located on Rush Road in the Golden Oaks subdivision in the Payne Springs area following reports of a deceased individual inside the residence. Deputies responded alongside investigators from the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers as part of a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
When authorities arrived at the home, they discovered 84-year-old Johnny Medford deceased inside the residence. Officials pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the property from 392nd Judicial District Judge Scott McKee in order to process the residence and collect evidence related to the case.
During the course of the investigation, authorities learned that Johnny Medford’s son, 63-year-old Ronny Medford, had reportedly been picked up from the residence earlier that same day in a black SUV. Investigators immediately began efforts to locate him for questioning as detectives continued examining evidence gathered from inside the home.
Officials later stated that evidence discovered during the investigation indicated that Ronny Medford is believed to have been responsible for the death of his father. Authorities allege that the killing occurred during an incident that remains under active investigation as detectives continue working to establish the full sequence of events leading up to Johnny Medford’s death.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Jamie Fawns conducted an inquest at the scene and ordered an autopsy through the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, Texas, where officials will work to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Judge Scott McKee has since issued an arrest warrant for Ronny Medford on a murder charge. Authorities confirmed that investigators later obtained an image of the vehicle believed to have transported him away from the residence following the incident.
As of now, Ronny Medford remains at large, and law enforcement agencies continue actively searching for him. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or any details connected to the investigation to contact local law enforcement immediately.
The death of Johnny Medford has left family members, neighbors, and members of the local community shaken as investigators continue working to uncover answers in the tragic case.