Murder Mystery in Meridian

Murder Mystery in Meridian

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By Mary Sturgill

Two people are arrested for 2nd degree kidnapping in connection with a murder in Meridian and investigators say a third suspect is still on the loose.

It's all surrounding a former Idaho Falls man, 45-year old Douglas Halpin, who was found tied-up and beaten to death. One suspect sits behind bars at the Ada County jail. One other suspect may be going there soon and more suspects are expected.

A boarded door and some police tape, they're the only signs left showing a crime happened here. Police say they're finished processing the scene, but the investigation into Douglas Halpin's death is far from over. "As long as there is active leads that includes and clues to follow they will remain down there." -Lt. Bob Stowe, Meridian Police Department.

In the past week, new information into this case has unfolded daily. Take a look at this time line.

On Sunday...Halpin's body is found inside Karen Lanae Lafollette's house. He was found bound and beaten.

Monday...Meridian police ask for help trying to locate Halpin's missing Ford truck.

Tuesday, a bizarre twist to the case. Karen Lafollete, also known as Karen Miller is arrested in Nampa. She's charged with second degree kidnapping in connection to her former boyfriend's death.

Then on Wednesday, Halpin's missing truck pops up in Hawthorne, Nevada, abandoned. Police are wondering, "why that truck was there, is there a reason it was dumped there." -Lt. Bob Stowe, Meridian Police Department.

On Thursday, a second suspect, 44 year year old Stanely Hahn is arrested in Bakersfield. Meridian detectives went to the Bakersfield police station to question Hahn. Meridian Police Lt. Bob Stowe says, "we're anticipating further charges possibly on both of these individuals and may be on others."

That's where the questions begin. Police aren't saying how the suspects and the victim know each other and they say they have not positively identified a third suspect. But Lieutenant Bob Stowe tells us they have reason to believe he could be in Bakersfield and another arrest could happen soon.

Hahn is waiting extradition to Idaho, but so far, no one's been charged with murder.

Funeral services are set for 11am Monday ... for 45-year old Douglas Halpin at the Buck Miller Hahn funeral home in Idaho falls.
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