The man accused of fatally shooting a Colorado family of three and then setting their house on fire was tracked down by authorities in Oklahoma following a month-long investigation, Reuters reported.
Harry Carl Mapps, 59, was arrested at a motel in Roland, Oklahoma on Saturday night. He was wanted by officials on three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Reginald and Kim Tuttle and their adult daughter, Dawn Roderick.
According to a statement by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office in Colorado, the bodies were discovered on November 27 following a call about a fire at the Tuttle's home.
Though Mapps was listed as a resident in Dimmitt, Texas, police believe he may have been homeless and was working for the family, living with them the week before their deaths.
Police began their search for Mapps after they discovered he was cashing checks from the family on the same day of the fire.
During a hearing in Sequoyah County court, Mapps agreed to return to Colorado on Monday.
"There are a lot of people who will breathe easier knowing Harry Carl Mapps is in custody," said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor. "While our work isn't done, there is certainly satisfaction in knowing we can begin this next phase of the case and that Mapps will soon return to Pueblo to answer for the crimes he has been charged with."
Taylor said authorities believe the fire was intended to cover them up. Mapps also faces charges of theft, identity theft, and forgery.
Friends remembered the Tuttles as kind people.
"Kim and Reggie would help anyone who needed it," Winnie Owens, a friend and neighbor, said to the Pueblo Chieftain. "The hearts of everyone in this valley go out to that family."
