Charges Filed in Murder Case
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Jasper County prosecutors file charges against one man in connection with the beating death of another four state man.
61-year-old William Hartman of Joplin has been charged with murder in the first degree for the death of 58-year-old Alfred Smith.
Smith`s body was discovered early Wednesday morning in a ditch in the 1200 block of Moffet Street by neighbors.
Police officials arrested Hartman, and another suspect, 44-year-old Curtis Downton, also of Joplin.
Authorities say all three men knew each other and were having an argument inside Hartman`s home on Moffet Street in the early morning hours before Smith`s death.
Police said Thursday that evidence collected during the investigation revealed Hartman to be the only suspect who played a role in the murder.
Downton was released Thursday, while Hartman remains in custody on $50,000 bond.
Police say alcohol played a role in the incident.
Hartman is expected to be arraigned sometime next week.
Reported by: Ryan Loyd
