The Huron County Sheriff has issued a reward for information about an unsolved murder case that occurred over two years ago.
Murder in Verona Township
On December 30, 2020, the people living in a Rapson home in Verona Township called Huron Central Dispatch to say that their dad, Ricky H. Bailey, had just been shot by people they didn’t know. It was also unknown if the assailants had left the area yet. Responding deputies and Bad Axe Police arrived shortly after and cleared the scene to get to the residents and victim.
What they found once inside was an unresponsive 59-year-old Bailey laying on the floor with two gunshot wounds. He had been residing there with his 11- and 20 year-old sons, who were unharmed. The victim was quickly taken to McLaren Thumb Regional Hospital by Central Huron Ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.
Murder in Minutes
Deputies were told by the two sons that they were all in different rooms of the house when the youngest heard a door opening. He then quickly went to tell his dad when two armed assailants with handguns appeared and shot the father. From our understanding, they yelled at the victim while he lay on the floor, making reference to wanting “the money.”
The victim was then hit again by one of the attackers while the youngest son tried to lock himself in a bathroom. He was then removed from the bathroom after one of the assailants kicked the door in and escorted him to another room to tell him to lay on the floor. During this time, the 20 year old had taken cover in another room. The assailants then left, which enabled the two sons to contact dispatch for help. The tragic incident took place over a matter of minutes.
The assailants were described as wearing black ski masks, black leather coats, black gloves, and black khaki type pants. It was unknown how they came to or left the scene.
Area of the Murder
It is believed the assailants targeted the specific residence either because they lived there in the past or because they are current residents, who apparently haven’t been there that long. Authorities are asking for information from anyone who may have seen any vehicles in the Rapson Road area during the incident’s time frame, especially near the Sullivan Road intersection.
Bailey Unsolved Murder Case Looking For Closure
In the past two years, a combination of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have been involved in the lengthy investigation. Unfortunately, they have yet to solve this senseless killing, and we would like to once again ask for help from the public. $9100 has been pledged by family and friends as a reward to anyone who has information leading to Ricky’s needless death.
Numerous tips and beliefs have been offered, but nothing solid so far. Anyone with information is asked to call the Huron County Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours at 989-269-6500, or Huron Central Dispatch at 989-269-6421 anytime. Confidential callers can use the confidential TIPS line at 989-269-2861. Information can also be sent via email to Detective Ford at fordd@co.huron.mi.us.
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