Charleston police detectives say they’ve solved a East End murder case.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant Monday for Richard Hilliard, 24, of Kanawha County on a first-degree murder charge. It’s alleged he killed David Booker, 26, in the area of Milton and Richards streets on Oct. 11.
Chief of Detectives Lt. Steve Cooper says it’s possible Hilliard has left the area but there’s evidence that he used a cell phone in Charleston in the last few days.
“I would ask anyone who knows where he is to call us and to treat him as if he is armed and dangerous,” Cooper said. “At this point he knows we are looking for him and we believe him to be hiding and running.”
Cooper did not release a motive for the killing. He did say Hilliard and Booker knew each other. Hilliard has a criminal record. Cooper says other people could be charged in connection with Booker’s death.
Police initially said they were looking for a white Crown Victoria that may have been involved in Booker’s death but Cooper says the car was actually a white Honda.
Lt. Cooper says police have gotten some decent cooperation from others on this case up until now.
“We have been able to get statements from several witnesses that have helped us piece the case together and charge Mr. Hilliard,” Cooper said.
Hilliard has been known to frequent the South Charleston and Rand areas. He also have relatives in Ohio. Charleston Police have looked for him there but his family said he was still in the Charleston area.
Hilliard is six feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.