Are investigators stumped already?

The pressure is on as the sheriff's department seeks leads in the slaying of ADA's wife

As the sun sets on the first full day of the investigation into the shocking murder of Oxford socialite Kelly Moran, the sheriff's department remains mum about what leads they're pursuing to capture her killer.

Investigators have spoken to residents throughout the tony enclave where Moran lived and died, while detectives have reportedly been having heart-to-hearts with members of Moran's inner circle.

But has all of that talking generated any leads? The sheriff's department won't say.

"It's still early in the investigation," said sheriff's Public Information Officer Elizabeth Jones. "We're not going to discuss developments while the inquiry is ongoing."

Citizen group offers reward

Others in the community were more willing to speak out.

"What happened to Kelly Moran is an outrage," said Ben Morgan, president of Concerned Oxford Parents (COP). "A woman killed in her own home? We cannot and we will not stand by and allow this kind of violence to happen in our town."

Morgan said COP will offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Kelly Moran.

"The people of Yoknapatawpha County expect—no, they demand to be safe in their own homes, and not to be at risk from murderous home invaders terrorizing our neighborhoods."

DA's office declines to weigh in

A spokesperson for the District Attorney expressed gratitude to Morgan and COP for their efforts to bring evidence to light in the case.

However, citing the active investigation, they refused to comment on whether they believe Kelly Moran's death is related to any of the cases her husband, Russell Moran, has prosecuted on behalf of the people of Yoknapatawpha County.

Not the Halloween scare anyone had in mind

With the authorities keeping what they know or don't know to themselves, Oxonians are finding this Halloween more frightening than they ever wanted as they remain on high alert for a real-life boogeyman among the costume-clad kids and partygoers on the streets of Yoknapatawpha County tonight.

If you have any information about the events surrounding Kelly Moran's death, you are asked to contact the sheriff's department or Yoknapatawpha Crime Stoppers. You are not required to give your name.

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Truth and consequences

The Face in the Mirror has all the dish!

In this edition: rebounding with a vengeance… woe and worry… and a heads-up for your Halloween hijinks

Greetings, peeps!

The View from the Behind the Chair is the only place you'll hear the things women only tell their hairdressers.

In the first chair, a shopgirl with luscious locks tells me a recently dumped doyenne is putting the "vamp" in revamping her wardrobe. When her ex sees her new look, he may have second thoughts about that nubile naif who turned his head, but all the signs say it's too late for that lothario. Stay on your toes, boys. There's a new femme fatale in town, and she's on the prowl for fresh prey.

In the second chair, one of the ladies who lunch said she and her gal pals are reeling from the sudden loss of one of their own last night. The late lady in question apparently had her share of frenemies and maybe a secret or two that might shock Oxonians, including her high-powered hubby, who could lose more than just face if the hush-hush info comes to light. With the hunt for the killer in full swing, there are more than a few nervous Nellies wondering if and when detectives might show up on their doorsteps.

And in the third chair, a well-coiffed woman in the know about all things law enforcement on campus and off confided that officers will be out in force tonight with ticket books and handcuffs at the ready to protect trick-or-treaters young and old from over-indulgers. So if you're out and about tonight, the smart money says designate a driver or call Uber a taxi


I'm just hearing, and I'm just saying.

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Socialite found dead

Foul play suspected

Halloween got off to a grisly start when Kelly Moran, 40, was found dead in her Muirfield Drive home last night.

Her body was discovered by her husband, Russell Moran, when he arrived home from the Yoknapatawpha County District Attorney's Office where he is employed.

Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's spokeswoman Elizabeth Jones said Mrs. Moran's death appears to be a homicide, but declined to say exactly how she died. An autopsy will be performed today.

Crime scene investigators are still processing the scene.

No known enemies

Kelly Moran, originally of Miami, Florida, was a housewife and a regular in the Oxford social scene.

Jones said the sheriff's department is not aware of any threats against Mrs. Moran and has not logged any prior incidents at the Moran residence.

Neighbors suspect burglar may be responsible

"This kind of thing just doesn't happen here," said a neighbor who asked not to be identified. "It must have been some bad element from somewhere else, one of those home invasions you're always hearing about on the news."

Jones confirmed that evidence of forced entry was observed but would not comment on neighborhood speculation that the death resulted from a break-in gone wrong.

According to sheriff's department records, the last reported burglary in the upscale Country Club subdivision was in 2016.

Retaliation against the husband?

Russell Moran has worked as a prosecutor since 2009 and has won convictions of numerous felony and misdemeanor defendants.

When asked if someone could have been seeking revenge against Mr. Moran, Jones said, "It would be irresponsible to speculate this early in the investigation."

"We have no suspects at this time," Jones continued. "We are investigating every possibility."

Calls to Russell Moran seeking comment have not been returned.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

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