Lubbock, Texas Murder Suspect Arrested in Bend

One of the man's alleged victims is still missing.

Patterson photograph: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Photo in front of Benaiah Circle residence after arrest courtesy: Oregon State Police

(BEND, Ore.) - Oregon State Police and Bend Police Department assisted Lubbock, Texas police in the arrest Wednesday in Bend, Oregon of a murder suspect wanted in connection with the 2006 disappearance and murder of two women.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with OSP, says today at approximately 12:00 noon, detectives from the Oregon State Police and Bend Police Department arrested 59-year old Mickey Weldon Patterson outside of a Bend-area residence located at 31 SE Benaiah Circle.

"Detectives established surveillance earlier this morning at the residence where Patterson has been living since moving from Texas. Patterson was taken into custody without incident as a Fugitive From Justice related to a State of Texas warrant for two counts of Murder in the First Degree."

Hastings says 51-year old Louetta Kay Harrelson, and 61-year old Peggy Merimon, were missing from the Lubbock State School since August 9th 2006, where they worked.

"Harrelson's body was recovered northwest of Lubbock a few days after the women disappeared. Merimon's body has not been recovered." Patterson was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail pending an initial appearance and extradition proceedings back to Texas.

Anyone with information in Oregon regarding this case is asked to contact Oregon State Police Sergeant Mitch Meyer at (541) 388-6213 ext. 216.