A suspect wanted for murder in Kansas City, Mo., was captured Tuesday afternoon at a residence in Big Sandy, following a 2-hour standoff.

The suspect, Duane Beard Jr., 24, had been featured on the popular TV show, America’s Most Wanted. A tip to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office came from someone who had seen that program.

Beard, wanted on murder and aggravated assault charges, had been staying with relatives at 715 N. Tyler St. in Big Sandy.

He was accused of murdering a woman in Kansas City on March 29, 2005, and shooting another woman. He was released on $300,000 bond, but disappeared before his court appearance. He was believed to have fled to Georgia.

After the Sheriff’s Office received the tip that Beard was there, deputies met with Big Sandy Police Chief Tim Scott to inform him about the suspect, Sheriff Anthony Betterton said.

Officers with the Big Sandy Police Department, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and state troopers with the Department of Public Safety went to the house to apprehend Beard. Some were wearing bullet-proof vests. An ETMC-EMS ambulance was also on the scene.

“Officers obtained consent from the home owner to look for Duane Beard,” Betterton said. “When officers searched the residence, Beard was nowhere to be found, but later they discovered that a chair was in the hallway.”

Officers then noticed that just about the chair was the entrance to the attic. Officers attempted to move the cover to the attic, but it would not budge.

“The home owner said that was not normal because the cover was easy to push up and move to one side,” Betterton said.

Deputies attempted to talk to the suspect, but he would not answer.

State Trooper Adam Bell also tried to talk the suspect down, but again got no response.

“Officers said they could hear him moving around in the attic,” Betterton said.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Anton Slavich, who is also a member of the Fugitive Task Force, was called for assistance, along with the Longview SWAT Team.

“Slavich asked if he was needed to speak to the suspect and was told yes,” Betterton said. “Anton went inside the residence and after a brief discussion, the suspect gave himself up to authorities without incident.”

The homeowner, Beard’s cousin, told authorities he did not know Beard was a fugitive.

Beard was transported to the Upshur County Jail, where he awaits transport back to Kansas City. Betterton said Beard had waived extradition.

Officers at the secne included:

• Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputies Randall Norrad, Chris McCauley, Becky Morris, Caleb Stracener, David Thompson, Don Gross and Don Gage and Investigators Freddie Fitzgerald, Chase Mullins, Matt Alford and David Dickerson.

• DPS Troopers Adam Bell, Cpl. Jody Hammonds and Sgt. Odie Hitt.

• Big Sandy Police Department Chief Tim Scott and Officers John Paul Morris and Scott Randall.

• U.S. Marshal’s Service Anton Slavich.

The transcript of the AMW program posted on its web site said that “According to authorities investigating the case, roommates Sherry Stewart and Samantha Curlee were hurting for cash. The end of the month was just around the corner, and bills, rent and utilities would be coming due.

“The roommates thought they had stumbled upon good fortune when their friend, Duane Beard, gladly agreed to lend them some of the necessary funds.

“Police says the roommates left Kansas City for the weekend. Samantha had family that lived in Clinton, a small, rural town 77 miles outside of Kansas City, and they often visited to get away from the bustling city.

“Meanwhile, vexed by Sherry and Samantha’s unexpected absence from town, Beard’s temper churned. Prosecutors say that Beard had money on his mind and did not take at all kindly to the girls’ unforeseen getaway, especially without receiving repayment or prior notification.

“Upon their return home, police say Sherry and Samantha didn’t have to wait long before receiving an unexpected visit from Beard. Beard’s animosity accumulated with the arousal of his foul temper. He wanted his money. According to police, Beard felt he was being dealt a short hand.

“When he arrived at Sherry and Samantha’s apartment, Beard was let right in. The girls were not aware of his horrifying potential. Tempers flared, according to authorities, and angry words were exchanged between Sherry and Beard. Samantha, an innocent bystander, was on the coach, unaware of the developing situation.

“Police say Sherry tried to run from the argument by heading towards the bathroom. Beard, by now, they say, had become dangerous and irrational.

“Prosecutors say Beard, furious at this point, shot Sherry. He immediately turned towards Samantha and shot her as she lay on the coach.

“According to police, Sherry was dead on arrival, and Samantha was suffering from a serious wound to the abdomen. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and survived the devastating assault.”

The AMW article continued that “despite his minuscule frame, police say Beard should be seen as a serious threat and a dangerous predator.

“Duane Beard, a very small man weighing in at just 127 lbs. and standing a mere 5’7” tall, faces four colossal charges: first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and First-Degree Assault.

“Police say Beard was due in court, but posted a $300,000 bond and bailed out of jail. Authorities believe he could be somewhere in Georgia.

“Despite Beard’s small stature, prosecutors say he is known as ‘T-Bone’ on the streets, and earned his reputation as a grizzled thug.”

Kansas City police describe him as “a serious threat and a dangerous predator.”

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