Double homicide suspect arrested

By BATES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest Thursday, March 10 at approximately 9:45pm on a suspect in the double homicide in rural Bates County. Arrested was Raymond Samual Harvey, Jr., white male, 12/5/1972. Raymond is the ex-boyfriend of victim Brandee E Bickleman.

On March 9, 2011 the Bates County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential fire in rural Bates County. On arrival deputies found the house to be a working fire. After the fire was contained the Fire Department advised that there was two victims found deceased inside the residence. The two victims have not officially been identified by local law enforcement so names are currently being withheld at press time.

Harvey is a registered sex offender for a previous conviction of Rape from a 1992 case out of Jackson County, MO. Harvey served 17 years in prison and had been out on parole for approximately two years.

A warrant was issued by the Bates County Prosecutor for 2 counts of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of armed criminal action, and one count of 2 degree arson. Harvey’s bond was set at $10,000,000.00 cash or surety.