Two people charged in February 2020 Troup County murder

(Lagrange, GA) — A Lagrange man and woman have been charged in a death that took place in early 2020.

Authorities say that on February 4, 2020, at around 10:30 PM, an adult male identified as Dennis Wayne Binion was found lying in the road in the 4600 block of Hamilton Road with severe injuries.

Binion was transported to the Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center Emergency Room where he later died.

The Georgia State Patrol began the investigation due to it being believed that Binion was hit by a vehicle while walking down the road.

In April 2020, the Georgia State Patrol turned the case over to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office due to there being no evidence that Binion was struck by a vehicle.

During their investigation, the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division identified two subjects that were involved in the death of Binion.

The two are, Michael Joshua Eugene Richardson, 36 years of age, of LaGrange and Crystal Michelle Carothers, 34 years of age, also of LaGrange.

On January 11, 2021, the case was presented to the Troup County Grand Jury and a true bill indictment was received for the following:

Michael Joshua Eugene Richardson – Malice Murder, Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault

Crystal Michelle Carothers – Hindering the Apprehension and or Punishment of a Criminal and Making False Statements

“Thank you to District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case to help bring some answers and closure to the Binion family,” said Sheriff James Woodruff in a press release this afternoon.