Fourth suspect arrested in homicide case, one suspect still at large
June 13, 2008
The suspected gunman in Columbia’s first homicide of the year was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after police received a tip on the case from a Crimstoppers call earlier in the day.
Damon A. Williams, of Columbia, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action in the murder of Nathaniel Bentley, which occurred during a home invasion robbery that took place at his home in south Columbia early Tuesday morning.
One of the five men involved with crime, Quillian E. Jacobs, of Columbia, still remains at large and is considered by police to be armed and dangerous.
According to a release from the Columbia Police Department, police received a Crimestoppers call at about 12:45 p.m. on Thursday that indicated Williams was staying at Eastwood Motel, located at 2518 Business Loop 70 East.
The report states police were able to arrive at the location within five minutes and confirm Williams was staying at the hotel, and shortly thereafter, police surrounded the area around Williams’ room and tried to make contact with him. Williams did not emerge from the room until around 2:03 p.m.
The arrest of Williams comes after the arrest of three other Columbia men in connection with the crime Wednesday evening. Denzel Smith was arrested about 2:30 pm Wednesday, and Michael J. Jaco and Malcolm A. Washington were arrested later in the day.
The charges against all five men occurred at 3610 Pimlico Dr. on early Tuesday morning, according to police statements. Police arrived at the scene at about 1 a.m, and made contact with five adult witnesses at the scene, who said they saw three of the suspects enter the house through an unlocked backdoor.
According to probable cause statements written by CPD Detective Bryan Liebhart, witnesses said the three intruders had masks over their faces, and also said the men were pointing handguns at them and asking for drugs and cash.
The witnesses said one of the men went into an upstairs bedroom in the house, where he believed Bentley was sleeping, and the witnesses heard a verbal argument and a gunshot soon thereafter.
The suspects left the scene with an X-Box, a few purses and at least one cell phone. Using GPS technology, the police were able to track one the cell phones to a secluded area a few miles east of U.S. Highway 63. Where police found the phone, they also found evidence from the crime scene, including a handgun, which had been reported stolen in a burglary a few days ago.
Liebhart wrote the investigation revealed Jaco as a possible suspect in the burglary, and by questioning his family members and associates, it was learned Jaco was staying in a hotel with four other men.
According to the probable cause statement, while being questioned by the police, Smith said he heard Williams say he “might have shot the guy” as the men were leaving the crime scene. Washington told police he saw Williams shoot the victim.
Police are requesting that anyone with any information on the case to contact the Crimestoppers website at 875tips.com.
More June 13, 2008 Outlook Stories
Most recent Outlook Stories
- Student political groups debate issues in presidential race — Representatives argued policies of Obama, McCain and Barr.
- County reports record number of new voters — Missouri is investigating cases of possible voter fraud.
- Columbia not hurt by economy — Officials are concerned by the decrease in sales tax revenue.
- Obama's friend is a poor choice — Weatherman William Ayers heads Obama's campaigns.
- Gubernatorial candidates plan to make college affordable — Both plans will make two-year colleges free to people who qualify.