The investigation quickly identified 25-year-old Talon Page, a resident of the Driggers Road home and someone Fussell regarded as a close friend. Judd revealed that the residence was known for its association with drugs and weapons.
“When you have dope, when you have guns, you have death,” Judd remarked.
Investigators suspect that a disagreement, potentially over money or drugs, led to Fussell’s murder. Also implicated in the case is 21-year-old Adonai Moran-Rivera, who lived at the same residence and has multiple felony charges. Moran-Rivera had recently been released from prison.
To advance the investigation, the sheriff’s office initially arrested Page on May 12 for improper disposal of a cigarette. Although Page was released, the authorities were able to search the house, where they discovered significant blood evidence and signs of an attempted cleanup.
By May 31, forensic analysis confirmed that the blood found at the scene matched Fussell’s. This confirmation led deputies to intensify their efforts to locate both Page and Moran-Rivera.
On June 2, a tip from a Mulberry neighborhood reported seeing Page and Moran-Rivera at a local residence, which belonged to a friend of Moran-Rivera’s met during his time in prison. Both suspects were taken into custody shortly thereafter. Page now faces charges of accessory after the fact of a capital felony and destroying/tampering with evidence. He has 11 prior felonies. Moran-Rivera faces similar charges and has 41 previous misdemeanors; he was released from prison in May 2023.
Although no one has been directly charged with Fussell’s murder yet, the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Judd emphasized that Fussell was not a “bad kid,” but rather someone who fell in with the wrong crowd, leading to his untimely death.
“Unfortunately, he befriended the likes of these folks,” Judd said, pointing to Page and Moran-Rivera’s photographs. “That’s what ultimately led to his death.”
The sheriff’s office continues to search for Fussell’s body and urges anyone with information to come forward. Sheriff Judd stressed the importance of bringing closure to Fussell’s family: “We want to bring Ethan home.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to report anonymously to Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-400-TIPS.
