Man arrested in connection with slaying of bookstore owner
Oklahoma City police have made an arrest in the killing of an Oklahoma City bookstore owner.
Kenton Eugene Busby, 42, has been arrested on a murder complaint in the death of Kelly Hays, 66, owner of 30 Penn Books, said police spokeswoman Megan Morgan. Police on Monday released video captured by an Oklahoma City bus showing a man detectives later identified as Busby, who willingly came to the police department, spoke with detectives and was subsequently arrested, Morgan said.
Hays was found dead Sept. 14 at the bookstore, 3023 N Pennsylvania Ave. The bookstore had been set on fire and Hays had died of sharp force trauma and was found under books, authorities reported. In 2002, Busby was charged with firstdegree rape and kidnapping. He later pleaded guilty to both counts, admitting he sexually assaulted a woman in an Oklahoma City motel room and kept her there against her will. As part of a plea agreement, he was given a 10-year prison sentence.
In 2014, Busby pleaded guilty in a felony assault case. He admitted he hit a man in the head with a rock during an altercation at an Oklahoma City apartment complex. As part of a plea agreement, he was given a three-year prison sentence.
In July, Busby’s exgirlfriend was granted an emergency protective order against him. In her request, she claimed she was in fear and thought he “could kill her.” The ex-girlfriend also alleged he had abused her in the past and was now sending threatening text messages. Busby will be booked into the Oklahoma County jail.