Butler Co. Sheriff’s Office offering reward leading to bodies of 2 missing men

EL DORADO, Kan. (KWCH) - The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is offering a “substantial reward” for information leading them to the location of two murder victims.

The sheriff’s office said Franklin “Punkie” Harrod was reported missing by his then-wife in July 1997. Through their investigation, detectives determined he’d been killed in Butler County. Three people were convicted in Punkie’s death, and one remains in jail, but his body has never been located.

In 2023, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey directed detectives to resume the search for Punkie’s remains. During that investigation, detectives discovered another man, Ricky L. Nelms, may also be buried in Butler County.

“A missing person came for Nelms, originally from Moulton, Alabama, and was discovered in Sedgwick County, Kansas dating back to 1988,” said the sheriff’s office.

In December 2023, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office released names and photos of Harrod and Nelms asking for help locating their burial sites. Tips were given and follow-up continues, but neither have been found.

“Today, Sheriff Hughey is offering a substantial reward for any information leading investigators to the location of either of these two victims,” said the sheriff’s office in a release. “Sheriff Hughey believes it’s our duty to get the victims located and their remains returned to their families.”

Anyone with information can contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at (316) 322-8817 or 866-484-5924, or by emailing crimetips@bucoks.com. The sheriff’s office can also be by Facebook Messenger at Butler County Sheriff’s Office.