Police: Sedalia man sought in death of woman kept in box likely nearby

SEDALIA, Mo. – Police are focusing on the hometown of a man being sought in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and her son, weeks after he was charged with restricting the woman to a crate in their western Missouri home.

Sandra Kay Sutton and her 17-year-old son, Zachary Wade Sutton, were found dead Thursday in a relative’s home in Clinton. Both appear to have been shot.

Authorities have been searching for James Barton Horn Jr. since he was charged with kidnapping Sandra Sutton three weeks ago. Investigators allege he kept her in a wooden box off-and-on for four months at their home in Sedalia, about 45 miles from Clinton.

Authorities believe Horn may have altered his appearance and may still be in the Sedalia area. They also believe someone may be helping him.

This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Police: Sedalia man sought in death of woman kept in box likely nearby."