Manhunt continues for man accused of murder in Franklin Co.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- The manhunt continues Wednesday for the man sheriff’s deputies believe murdered a woman in Franklin County.

The Sheriff’s Office says 38-year-old Derek Garten is armed and dangerous and believed to be hiding out somewhere in or near Franklin County.

Garten is wanted for the murder of 39-year-old Margaret Smith who was found shot dead inside her home early Tuesday morning.

Deputies arrested Billy Turner Tuesday night in relation to this case for complicity to commit murder and complicity to tamper with evidence.

Around 11:30 Wednesday morning deputies got a tip Garten might be somewhere around the Franklin County-Owen County line. They sent a helicopter as well as several deputies out to that rural area of the county but so far have been unable to find him.

Sheriff Pat Melton says his office worked through the night trying to track down Garten.

He said deputies did find his black Toyota 4-runner yesterday on the west side of town, and believe he is now on foot and also could be getting help from a few people.

Garten is believed to have shot and killed Margaret Smith inside her home Tuesday.

Deputies say Smith and Garten had been in a relationship for years, and had several young children together.

The sheriff said Smith had filed several protective orders against Garten in the past, and had one on him at the time of the murder.

Garten is believed to be armed and dangerous and could be under the influence of drugs.

Sheriff Melton pleaded directly to Garten, asking him to turn himself in.

“Derek, talk to me. I’m here. Talk to me. Tell me your side. I want to hear it. Man up. Come in. Talk to me. Let’s work this out,” Melton said.

Throughout this investigation several people have expressed concern over a Facebook post Garten wrote the night before the murder. In it he accused Smith of cheating on him and abusing his children.

The Sheriff’s Office says it doesn’t think any of that is true. Deputies say all of Smith and Garten’s children are safe and with family members.

Deputies believe Garten is on foot, hiking through the woods somewhere in the couny.

Many people are camping Wednesday as a 4th of July celebration. The Sheriff asks if you see a man fitting Garten’s description walking alone outside, call 9-1-1 immediately.