Indianapolis man charged in shooting death of area man

SIKESTON -- A two week investigation by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety has led to the arrest of Andrew B. Laura for the July 16 murder of Steven White.

A Sikeston man is also in custody in connection with the fatal shooting.

Laura, 21, is originally from Indianapolis, Ind., and had been living with relatives in Sikeston for two weeks prior to the homicide. He is charged with armed criminal action and first degree murder. No bond was set and arraignment is not yet scheduled.

The arrest was announced Tuesday afternoon at a press conference by DPS Director Drew Juden who noted it was Sikeston citizens who gave the tips needed to identify and lead officers to Laura.

"We had a citizen provide us with information without any prompting and that led us to interview several other residents," Juden said.

Also charged in connection with the crime is Marcus Johnson, 25, of 14 W. Murray Lane in Sikeston. He was charged late Tuesday with the Class B felony of conspiracy for promoting the offense of robbery in the first degree. In addition Johnson was charged with the Class A felony of murder in the second degree.

While the men have been arrested, the murder weapon still has not been found.

"That is the only missing thing at this point," Juden said.