A Silver Lake man with multiple prior arrests is now facing a first-degree murder charge following his booking in Shawnee County on Monday evening.
James Ivan Morehead, 64, was arrested by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on December 2, 2025, at approximately 6:40 p.m., according to jail records. He is currently being held without bond.
Morehead was booked on the following charges:
- Murder in the 1st degree; intentional and premeditated
- Aggravated battery; knowingly use of a weapon causing great bodily harm or disfigurement
- Attempt to commit a felony offense
- Criminal threat
- Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to introduce into the human body
- Intimidation of a witness or victim; preventing reporting of victimization
The booking records indicate the charges stem from a warrant issued in case number 2025-34010. Officials have not yet released details regarding the victim or the circumstances surrounding the alleged homicide.
Prior Arrests
Morehead has made local headlines previously for drug-related and violent offenses:
- June 25, 2023 – Arrested during a traffic stop near Carbondale in Osage County and booked on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement (reported by WIBW).
- December 27, 2024 – Booked into Shawnee County Jail in case 24CR1689 on charges including domestic battery and criminal damage to property. He was issued a $1,500 bond at that time.
These cases remain separate, and Morehead is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office is expected to file formal charges in the coming days. This article will be updated as additional information becomes available, including court dates and details surrounding the investigation.
