Alabama police seek suspect in Paighton Houston death investigation

BESSEMER, Ala. (WHNT) -- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chief David Agee said Thursday arrest warrants were issued for Frederick Hampton in connection with the death of Paighton Houston.

Agee said Hampton is believed to be responsible for disposing of the body.

Paighton Houston was last seen leaving the Tin Roof bar on Dec. 21, 2019. Her remains were discovered Jan. 3, 2020, in a shallow grave behind a house on Chapel Drive in Hueytown.

Agee said that they have not obtained a complete autopsy report that determines Houston's cause of death, but there was "no physical trauma to the body of the victim that could have led to her death.”

Hampton is charged with abuse of a corpse and violating a sex offender notification act. Agee said that if additional evidence is developed, Hampton could face additional charges.

Prior to his possible connection to Houston's death, Hampton has a record of being a sex offender. Hampton is not in custody and may have fled to Georgia.