Springfield man charged in murder of acquaintance

SPRINGFIELD — Police in Springfield say they have arrested a local man on murder charges, even though authorities have yet to rule on the cause of the victim's death.

Officers say they arrested 24-year-old Justin Smith on Monday on a charge of first-degree murder. No bond had been set for Smith by late Monday afternoon, and police did not disclose whether he had an attorney.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports that 48-year-old Joseph Phoenix disappeared on New Year's Eve, and officers found his body in a field early Monday morning.

Sangamon County Coroner Susan Boone says an autopsy will be performed Tuesday to determine a cause of death.