Media Release: 2/16/2025

Contact Person: Sheriff Brian Henderson

                           (620) 429-3992 

Topic: Suspect arrested in Galena, who was wanted in connection with a Carthage homicide

On 2/16/2025, the Galena Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office were requested to assist the Carthage Police Department in relation to a homicide that had occurred in their city on 2/15/2025.  It was believed that the suspect from this homicide was at a residence in Galena, KS.  Surveillance of the residence was conducted by members of the Galena Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  At approximately 9:43 am the suspect was observed standing on the front porch of the residence.  The suspect, Elijah Hardee of Joplin, exited the residence and was contacted on the front porch.  Hardee was taken into custody without incident for the Jasper County Warrant of Murder in the Second Degree and was transported to the Cherokee County Jail.  The media release from the Carthage Police Department is copied below and all questions should be forwarded to their agency. 

Carthage Release:

On 2/15/2025 around 11:30 P.M., the Carthage Police Department responded to the 300 block of W. Vine in reference to a disturbance involving a weapon. A 22-year-old male was located with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

During the subsequent investigation, Elijah Hardee was determined to be the suspect. An arrest warrant for Murder 2nd was issued for Hardee. He was then located at an address in Galena, Kansas where he was taken into custody without incident.

We want to extend our gratitude to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, the Webb City Police Department, the Carterville Police Department, the Joplin Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the Galena Police Department, Carthage Fire Department, and METS as they all assisted with the investigation.