Memphis, Tennessee, December 2, 2025
The U.S. Marshals Service is ramping up efforts to apprehend Morley Vernon King, who has been wanted for the 2005 murder of Dorothy Smith and the attempted murder of her daughter in Memphis, Tennessee. King has evaded capture for nearly two decades. Authorities are urging the public to assist in finding him to resolve this long-standing case.
Memphis, Tennessee: U.S. Marshals Renew Search for Fugitive in 2005 Murder Case
Memphis, Tennessee – The U.S. Marshals Service is intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend a man wanted for the 2005 murder of his girlfriend, Dorothy Smith, and the attempted murder of her daughter, who was 20 at the time. The suspect, identified as Morley Vernon King, has been evading capture for nearly two decades.
Details of the Crime
On December 1, 2005, authorities allege that King fatally shot his girlfriend, Dorothy Smith, and attempted to kill her daughter. The incident occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, and has remained unsolved since then. Despite extensive investigations, King has managed to evade capture.
Suspect Profile
Morley Vernon King is described as a male with the following physical characteristics:
- Height: 6 feet, 1 inch
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
King was born on October 20, 1901, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was known to have worked as a cook, sailor, and salesman. He has been described as a person of interest due to his historical notoriety after being listed on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1950. He was captured later but significantly, King has become an enduring figure in the context of unresolved criminal cases.
Current Status
As of December 2, 2025, Morley Vernon King remains a fugitive in the 2005 murder case. The U.S. Marshals Service continues to seek information from the public to locate and apprehend him. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in resolving this longstanding case.
Background Context
The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for apprehending fugitives, among other duties. The agency maintains a list of the most wanted fugitives, which includes individuals wanted for serious crimes such as murder. The case of Morley Vernon King is notable due to the duration of his evasion and the severity of the alleged crimes.
Recent Developments in Similar Cases
In recent years, the U.S. Marshals Service has successfully apprehended several fugitives wanted for serious crimes. Some of these include:
- Arnoldo Jimenez: Captured in Monterrey, Mexico, on January 30, 2025, after being on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since 2019.
- Lamont Stephenson: Captured in Maryland on March 7, 2019, after being added to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 2018.
- Raymond “RJ” McLeod: Captured in El Salvador in 2022, after allegedly murdering his girlfriend in 2016.
These cases highlight the U.S. Marshals Service’s commitment to apprehending fugitives, regardless of the time elapsed since the alleged crimes.
Public Assistance Requested
The U.S. Marshals Service continues to seek the public’s assistance in locating Morley Vernon King. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or local law enforcement agencies. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
Conclusion
The case of Morley Vernon King remains an open and active investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service is dedicated to bringing closure to the victims and their families by apprehending those responsible for serious crimes, regardless of the time that has passed since the offense.
FAQ
Who is Morley Vernon King?
Morley Vernon King is a man wanted for the 2005 murder of his girlfriend, Dorothy Smith, and the attempted murder of her daughter in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been evading capture for nearly two decades.
What are the physical characteristics of Morley Vernon King?
King is described as a male with a height of 6 feet, 1 inch, and a weight of 210 pounds. He is of White race and male gender.
What is the U.S. Marshals Service?
The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for apprehending fugitives, among other duties. They maintain a list of the most wanted fugitives, which includes individuals wanted for serious crimes such as murder.
Has Morley Vernon King been captured?
No, as of December 2, 2025, Morley Vernon King remains a fugitive in the 2005 murder case. The U.S. Marshals Service continues to seek information from the public to locate and apprehend him.
How can I provide information about Morley Vernon King?
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or local law enforcement agencies. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and rewards may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime | 2005 murder of Dorothy Smith and attempted murder of her daughter in Memphis, Tennessee |
| Suspect | Morley Vernon King |
| Physical Description | Height: 6 feet, 1 inch; Weight: 210 pounds; White male |
| Current Status | Fugitive; U.S. Marshals Service seeking public assistance |
| Public Assistance | Contact U.S. Marshals Service or local law enforcement; anonymous tips accepted; potential rewards offered |
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