An investigation that began in Arkansas last week ends with the discovery of a body in Southern Missouri over the weekend with two people arrested in connection with his death.
Police tell the Associated Press that officers were called to an apartment unit in Springdale on Nov. 23 say they found a trail of blood leading from the apartment. A man there told officers a group of men had come to the apartment, argued with 39-year-old Richard Phillips then forced Phillips to leave with them, police said.
Four days later on Saturday, a group of hunters discovered Phillips’ body north of Seligman in Southern Barry County.
Police believe Phillips was killed in Arkansas and his body dumped in rural Barry County. Crime lab officials in Arkansas State Crime are working to determine the cause of his death.
While Phillips was missing, investigators identified Reginald Baker, 30, of Seligman, and Daniel Blanks, 41, of Fort Smith as suspects, and a judge issued arrest warrants charging them with battery, kidnapping and burglary.
Baker and Blanks were arrested over the weekend in Tulsa. Charges against them are likely to be upgraded, police said.
(From KTLO/Associated Press)