Residents In Luther Relieved After Michael Vance Manhunt Ends

Folks in Luther are breathing a whole lot easier. They've been locking doors, some even scared to leave their homes after Michael Vance was accused of killing two of his family members in the small town.

On Monday morning, the streets of Luther for the first time in the past week were no longer heavily patrolled by law enforcement from across the county. Instead, neighbors were out and about, finally feeling safe enough to leave their homes.

“Relieved, relieved, relieved,” said Paula Adams as she was buying groceries.

Two family members of Vance were brutally killed in Luther and residents have since been haunted by the thought of Vance's possible return.

“First time I’ve ever loaded guns and locked doors,” said Robert Becker who lives about a half mile away from where Vance began his crime spree and shot two officers. “I know everybody in Lincoln County feels a lot safer with him gone.”

City Councilman Andy McDaniels' son also lives near the first crime scene involving Vance.

“I can sleep. I haven’t slept in probably five hours all week. It’s a huge relief,” he said.

McDaniels said Luther police have been working overtime and around the clock trying to protect the citizens here, but it's been obvious as to why folks have been staying inside.

“I’ve lived here for 20 years and I’ve never seen it like this,” he said.