Third Arrest Made in Edgewood Homicide

A third arrest has been made in connection with the death of Roger Courson of rural Edgewood.

(JAMIE CHARLTON)

39-year-old Jamie L. Charlton of Salem was charged Wednesday with first degree murder under an accountability theory, as well as first degree murder and residential burglary. Charlton's arrest follows the earlier arrest of 30-year-old Walter L. West of Edgewood and 27-year-old Christopher B. Gallatin of Centralia on similar charges.

(WALTER WEST)

A family member found the body of the 80-year-old Courson in his home near Edgewood the morning of Sunday, September 26.

Bond for Charlton will be set during his initial appearance in Clay County Circuit Court on Friday. Bond for West and Gallatin was earlier set at $2.5 million each.

(CHRISTOPHER GALLATIN)

Following Crimestoppers tips provided by the public to the Clay County Sheriff's Department and the Effingham City Police Department, suspects were developed in the case. West and Gallatin were taken into custody on September 30, while Charlton was taken into custody on Wednesday.

Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 was assisted by the Clay County and Marion County Sheriff's Departments, Centralia Police Department, and the Clay County State's Attorney's Office.