Photos: Mark Payton Jr. and Lauren Ashley Smith a.k.a. Lauren Ashley Cofield
Two people have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Boone County, following the discovery of a body in the parking lot of the Bergman Church of Christ.
Boone County Sheriff Tim Roberson says the victim has been identified as 34-year-old Justin Lee Brown of Harrison, who reportedly died from gunshot injuries.
Arrested Saturday evening in connection with the homicide are 23-year-old Lauren Ashley Smith and 28-year-old Mark Payton Jr. While Sheriff Roberson says in a press release both are from Harrison, the Boone County online jail log says the female suspect is from Alpena and identifies her as Lauren Ashley Cofield.
Sheriff Roberson says the discovery of the body was made by Bergman Police Chief Fred Starnes.
Chief Starnes reported a vehicle that had been seen in the area just prior to the discovery and requested assistance from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and Harrison police officers with locating the suspect vehicle.
Two Harrison police patrolmen spotted the suspect car entering Harrison, where a felony stop was initiated with assistance from two fellow officers and the suspects taken into custody.
A firearm reported stolen from Marion County was recovered at the scene of the stop.
In addition to the murder count, Payton is charged with felony offenses relating to being a convicted felon and utilizing the stolen firearm in the commission of the act. Smith is charged with an additional offense of felony hindering prosecution by providing false information to officers.
Sheriff Roberson commends the observation and actions of the Bergman police chief and the Harrison police officers who responded to the incident. He says their actions lead to the swift apprehension and identification of the persons believed responsible for the homicide.
Payton’s bond was set by the court at $500,000 and Smith’s at $250,000. Roberson sys both suspects are on current felony probation status and are being held without bond pending a revocation.
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