Johnny Medford Obituary, Henderson County, TX Death – Beloved Resident Has Died
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation after 84-year-old Johnny Medford was found dead inside his residence in the Golden Oaks subdivision of the Payne Springs area, while his son is now wanted in connection with the killing. The tragic case has left neighbors and community members shaken as investigators continue searching for answers and for the suspect believed responsible.
According to Sheriff Botie Hillhouse of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, to a home on Rush Road after 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 coordinated investigation.
When authorities arrived, they discovered Johnny Medford deceased inside the home. Officials pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators later secured a search warrant authorized by Judge Scott McKee to process the residence and gather evidence related to the death.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Johnny Medford’s son, 63-year-old Ronny Medford, had reportedly been picked up from the residence earlier in the day in a black SUV. Investigators quickly began efforts to locate him as evidence collection and interviews continued.
Authorities later stated that evidence gathered at the scene led investigators to believe Ronny Medford was responsible for his father’s death. Officials allege the killing occurred during an incident that remains under active investigation as detectives work to establish the exact sequence of events.
Jamie Fawns conducted an inquest at the residence and ordered an autopsy through the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Judge Scott McKee has since issued an arrest warrant charging Ronny Medford with murder. Investigators also obtained an image of the SUV 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 details connected to the investigation to contact local law enforcement immediately.
The death of Johnny Medford has deeply affected the Payne Springs community, where residents continue to grapple with the tragic circumstances surrounding the case as the investigation remains ongoing.