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Kidnapped mother-in-law: "I'm glad I don't have to plan two funerals"

Whithouse was caught thanks to a neighbor in Shelby County who thought they spotted the van according to authorities.

SHELBY COUNTY, Ky. — A man wanted for murder and kidnapping his wife and mother-in-law was captured Oct. 11.

Terry Whitehouse was caught after a neighbor in Shelby County thought they spotted the van and called authorities. When police tried to pull the van over, Whitehouse took off and his wife, Melinda, was found safe inside.

Police chased Whitehouse into the woods along Back Creek Road, eventually arresting him and taking him to the Shelbyville Police Department for questioning before he was taken away to the Eminence Police Department.

Whitehouse was wanted for kidnapping his wife and her mother, and he’s also believed to have killed Melinda’s stepdad. Whitehouse told police his wife told him to do it. 

RELATED: Henry County murder, kidnapping suspect in custody; kidnapped wife found safe

Credit: Terry Whitehouse

Melinda’s mother was let go by Whitehouse Oct. 10 and said she is glad that her daughter is also safe.

“I’m relieved on that one. Really relieved," Debbie Bowman said. 

When asked if she was doing okay, Bowman said she was "not very good right now, cause I got to come up with the money now to bury my husband."

Whitehouse was released from jail on Oct. 9 and the hunt for him and Melinda began early Oct. 10.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to plan two funerals right now," Bowman expressed.

Credit: Debbie Bowman

“He kept telling me the whole time, Terry did, my husband was just tied up in the garage the whole time and knowing the whole time he had already killed him when he came in the house and got me and my daughter,” Bowman said.

Whitehouse took Bowman and his wife in the middle of the night

“He made us go out with a knife pointed at us," Bowman said. "When we went out the front door, he had the knife in her side."

Bowman says Whitehouse untied her. It’s how she escaped an abandoned home in Shelby County and got help.

Whitehouse has been charged with kidnapping, murder, and violating an EPO. Police said Melinda Whitehouse is not facing any charges. 

Whitehouse is being held on a $2 million bond is set for a pre-trial hearing Oct. 14.

Bowman now has to bury her husband due to unforeseen circumstances and is leaning on the community for help. Those who want to help can donate to the family's GoFundMe.

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