Joplin Murder

The investigation continues in the death of a Joplin man. Two men are in custody in connection with the death of 58-year-old Alfred Smith. Police say the men, 61-year-old William Hartman, and 44-year-old Curtis Downton, apparently had an argument with Smith shortly before his death. Authorities say Smith suffered blunt trauma to the head which eventually led to his death. Smith`s body was found in a ditch on Moffet Street early Wednesday morning. After a preliminary investigation of the neighborhood, the two suspects were arrested. Lt. Delmar Haase says it`s unusual for investigators to have leads this quickly, but a full investigation will still take place. "Any homicide will take some time, actually will continue to trial time. There will be lab reports, autopsy results, and we will continue to talk to neighborhood people and possible witnesses," he said. Neighbors say incidents like this can happen in any type of neighborhood. "It really scares me. I`m about to have a baby any day. I really don`t want to raise my daughter in an environment like this," resident Tricia Batchelder said. Smith`s body has been taken to Springfield for autopsy testing. The suspects are expected to be formally charged within the next couple of days. Reported by: Ryan Loyd