Jennifer McDaniel
gardner news

A lawyer for a 57-year-old New Mexico man charged with the murder of a Gardner woman in late January has called for the case to continue.

A preliminary hearing for Franklin Blue Lake in Albuquerque, New Mexico was originally scheduled for March 30. During the hearing, however, Blue Lake’s attorneys demanded continuation. At that time, Bluelake appeared in court via his Zoom.

A scheduled meeting is set for Blue Lake on May 3rd at 11am. Court records show the defendant was ordered to appear in person.

Bluelake has been charged with first-degree murder in the murder of 53-year-old Rhoda Morgan, who was found dead in Olathe’s hotel room shortly before noon on January 29.

Police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check after a guest failed to check out of a hotel on the 20600 block of West 151st Street, according to reports. was discovered, prompting an investigation into the death. After an autopsy, Oris Police announced that the death was ruled a homicide.

Within days, investigators focused on Blue Lake, who was suspected of fleeing the state. Investigators reportedly worked with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down and arrest Blue Lake, who was believed to be a fugitive. He was later found near Flagstaff, Arizona in mid-February. He was extradited to Kansas on murder charges after he spent nearly 30 days in prison in Coconino County, Arizona.

Bluelake was arrested and taken to the Johnson County Adult Detention Center on March 18. He is currently being held at the New Century Adult Detention Center on $1 million bail.