Murder Suspect Taken Into Custody

Breaking News UPDATE: Michael Brandon Ratliff, who was wanted for Second Degree Murder, was taken into custody by officers from the Morristown Police Department and the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop at approximately 4:00 pm this afternoon.

Ratliff was apprehended after he was seen leaving the property of 1845 Cedar Creek Road. This property is owned by a relative who has been uncooperative with law enforcement efforts. A search warrant was executed at the residence yesterday which uncovered weapons and 89 grams of suspected narcotics. Agents and officers took Ratliff into custody without incident. He was wearing a brown wig in an attempt to conceal his identity. Ratliff has admitted his involvement in the Friday night murder. The investigation will continue and additional charges may be placed against other individuals.

MPD Chief Roger Overholt thanked officers and agents from both agencies for their tireless efforts as they worked around the clock for almost four days to apprehend this dangerous person.

The Morristown Police Department is seeking Michael Brandon Ratliff in connection with the murder of Antonio Yarbrough Friday night in Morristown.

Ratliff is considered to be armed and dangerous and is a known narcotics user.

He is a 33-year-old white male, 5’11” tall, and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Ratliff may try to alter his appearance by wearing a wig.

The MPD is asking for the public’s help in locating this dangerous individual. He is known to frequent addresses on Cedar Creek Road and Three Springs Road in Hamblen County as well as the Whitesburg area.

Anyone who has information on Michael Brandon Ratliff’s whereabouts is urged to contact police dispatch at 423-585-2701. Please do not approach this individual.

Anyone wishing to report information anonymously may call 423-585-1833.

Investigators have taken a warrant for Second Degree Murder in this case. Ratliff has additional, unrelated warrants on file at the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office.