Lamar man arrested on murder charge

Anthony D. Cheek, 28, of Lamar, has been arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the July 16, 2011, murder of Chad D. Clayton.

Investigators from the Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control arrested Cheek Tuesday at approximately 9:45 a.m., after a five-month investigation.

The patrol said that on July 15, 2011, a 9-1-1 call was made, reporting that Chad Clayton was in need of medical attention at Cheek's former residence in Lockwood. Officers arrived at the home and found Clayton, who had suffered "disabling" injuries, a Tuesday press release said. The patrol didn't go into detail about the specific nature of the injuries. Clayton was transported to a hospital in Springfield, where he died the following day.

Cheek is being held without bond in the Dade County Jail on a charge of second degree murder.

No further information was available at press time Tuesday.

The charge for which Cheek was arrested is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the above charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.