Anthony Cheek charged in death of Chad Clayton

GREENFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A southwest Missouri man is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of an Afghanistan war veteran from Lockwood.

Dade County authorities say 28-year-old Anthony Cheek was charged Tuesday in the July 2011 death of 30-year-old Chad Clayton. He was found dead in his home in Lockwood.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol had suspended the investigation in November, saying all leads had been exhausted. The Springfield News-Leader reports the patrol declined to say Tuesday what new leads led to Cheek's arrest.

A probable cause statement indicates Cheek was injured in a fight that began during a marijuana deal.

Cheek is being held without bond in the Dade County Jail. Online court records indicate he has asked for a public defender.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com

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