Texas Man Accused In Deadly I-40 Shooting Spree Charged With Murder

The Texas man accused of going on a deadly shooting rampage along an Oklahoma highway made his first appearance in court Monday.

Jeremy Hardy faces two murder charges; assault with a dangerous weapon; eluding; DUI (BAC .16) and five charges of use of a vehicle in the discharge of a weapon.

According to court documents, Hardy’s rampage started Wednesday on Interstate 40 near El Reno when investigators say he swerved toward another vehicle and sped off. 

Investigators say Hardy later chased the driver to a nearby truck stop reaching speeds of about 100 mph.

12/17/2015 Related Story: Two Families Linked By Tragedy Following Deadly I-40 Shooting Spree

Documents show Hardy later opened fire on Arapaho businessman Jeffery Kent Powell, 45, and his wife, Tamera, hitting Powell. 

This happened near mile marker 113.  The documents show, "Jeffery was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder of I-40 ... before dying from the gunshot wound."

Minutes later, investigators say Hardy opened fire on several trucks.

Just after midnight, Police found 63-year old Billie Jean West, of Lone Wolf, shot in her car just off I-40 near mile marker 84.  She was taken to the hospital where she died "from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound."

Troopers finally caught up with Hardy, and after a short chase, arrested him. He remains in Custer County jail.

A judge denied bail for Hardy Monday.