KBI arrests Phoenix man connected to 1982 murder

RENO COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Phoenix man connected to a cold case homicide that occurred in Hutchinson nearly 42 years ago. The suspect was arrested for his role in the 1982 murder of Michael McKeown. He was brought back to Kansas and booked into the Reno County Jail on Wednesday morning.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, KBI agents secured an arrest warrant for Jerry Allen, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona. The Phoenix Police Department arrested Allen around 7 p.m. at a residence at 4501 W. Acoma Dr., in Phoenix. He was arrested for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Allen was booked into the Maricopa County Jail. Extradition was waived, and Allen was transported to Kansas, where he will face charges.

Michael McKeown, then age 44, of Hutchison, was found dead on the morning of March 24, 1982. The Hutchinson Police Department and the KBI investigated McKeown’s murder. Investigators believe he was shot and killed the prior night in his car while it was parked in the lot outside of his apartment at 320 E. Sherman St., in Hutchinson.

In the last year, KBI agents conducted several key interviews in three states, providing additional evidence to proceed with charges in this cold case.  This investigation is ongoing.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Reno County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case. A first appearance is scheduled for Friday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m.