Columbus Murder Follow-Up

Two Southeast Kansas men accused of murder have their day in court. Last week, the body of 74-year-old Margaret Barrett was discovered in her Columbus Kansas home. Two suspects have been in custody since that discovery and today, they were officially charged with her murder. The wounds of Margaret Barretts murder are still fresh in the Southeast Kansas town of Columbus. This afternoon, residents in the community had the opportunity to see the two men accused of her slaying. The first suspect is 20-year-old Thomas James LeGrande of Columbus Kansas. He is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and burglary. LeGrande is also charged with aggravated battery against a police officer. The second suspect is 21-year-old James Edward VanHouten, also if Columbus. As you may remember, VanHouten was arrested after taking Southeast Kansas Police on a high-speed chase in what is believed to be the stolen car of Mrs. Barrett. VanHouten is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated battery on a police officer, three counts of aggravated assault on an officer and attempting to elude police. Both men are currently in the custody of the Cherokee County Sheriff`s Department without bond. Their preliminary hearings have been scheduled for August 27th at 1:00pm.