Four teenagers face capital murder in West Point

Four West Point teenagers are facing capital murder charges in relation to the death of 41-year-old Mikel Craven in March.

Clay County Sheriff’s investigators say that Craven was shot to death during an intended robbery.  His body was found in a ditch on Blake Road near Pine Grove Road on March 11.

On Tuesday, deputies arrested Emerson Houston, 19, William Austin Hill, 17, Greyson Klutts, 17, and Jeremy Klutts, Jr., 15.  Bond was denied for three of the suspects, with the youngest boy given a $75,000 bond on the condition that he wear an ankle monitor.

All four suspects were charged as adults with capital murder, but Houston alone could face the death penalty if convicted. Capital punishment for crimes committed by minors was banned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005.

The suspects will return to court on May 19 for a preliminary hearing at the Clay County Justice Complex.

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott says the investigation, headed by his office and the District Attorney, is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 662-494-2896 or submit anonymous tips to Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.