A Family Torn Apart By Violence

Over ten years has passed since the grisly murder of a mother and daughter in Athol, Idaho.  When police arrived at the home of Vernon Ray Henry on August 12, 1996, they found that his wife, Connie,  and 18-year-old daughter, Heather, had been shot to death.  To make matters worse, the Vernons' 12-year-old son, Casey, heard the murder take place and told police that the killer was none other than his own father. 

Cops tell AMW that 18-year-old Heather Henry had left for a date that was not sanctioned by her dad. As a result, Vernon and Connie argued about it for most of the night. But when Heather returned home around midnight, the argument went from bad to worse. Police believe that a struggle broke out between Connie, Heather, and Vernon. Upstairs, Casey heard the fight and told police that he heard his mom say "he's going to get a gun, run."

The next sounds Casey heard were gun shots. 

Police say that Vernon fled in the family's car, a maroon 1986 Toyota Camry, with Idaho plates, K22671.  Cops say Vernon Ray Henry has survivalist skills and may be living off the land.

Police believe that he may have stashed money and supplies in the local woods to further his escape. The murder weapon, a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol was never recovered, and Henry may still have it.

After the horrific murders, the Vernons' eldest son, Justin, moved Casey and his two younger sisters to live with him in Seattle. 

Henry was known to have friends in Idaho, Nebraska, and all over the U.S., and mentioned traveling to Belize on occasion.  He loved recreational fishing and ran an upholstery shop in Idaho, and may be seeking out similar types of work.