Mar 01, 2021

Arrest made in Hoffman murder case; Hull remains at large

Posted Mar 01, 2021 8:08 PM
Clarence Darnyl Brown
Clarence Darnyl Brown

A Salina man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Courtney Ann Hoffman.

In a news release issued this afternoon, the Salina Police Department (SPD) reported that Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, was arrested on the following requested charges in connection with the Hoffman murder.

Aiding and abetting first degree murder

Criminal solicitation

Interference with law enforcement

Tuesday at approximately 11:42 a.m., Salina Fire Department EMS and SPD officers were dispatched to the 700 block of North Fourth Street for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming.

Upon arrival, officers located Hoffman inside a vehicle at 731 North Fourth Street. She had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.

<b>Nelson Gerrod Hull III.</b> Photo courtesy Salina Police Department
Nelson Gerrod Hull III. Photo courtesy Salina Police Department

On Saturday, SPD identified Nelson Gerrod Hull III as a suspect in the murder. An arrest warrant for murder in the first degree was issued by the Saline County District Court for Hull.

"During the course of the investigation, detectives developed information that Brown aided Hull after the commission of the homicide," SPD noted in information released this afternoon.

Hull remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. SPD encourages anyone with information pertaining to Hull's current location to contact 911 immediately.

Hull is described as a Black male, 35, 6'3" and 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck: Mi Familia, SPD noted.

The investigation into Hoffman's murder is ongoing. If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward. The Crimestoppers board has increased the possible reward amount up to $2,500, and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact Detective Jeff Vaughan at the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2021-5058