Rifle believed linked to Missouri officer's slaying found

CLINTON, Mo. -- Investigators said they have found a rifle believed to have been used in last weekend's shooting death of a western Missouri police officer.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe said the unspecified gun was found Thursday in a creek about two miles north of Clinton, where 37-year-old officer Gary Michael was shot and killed Sunday night.

Lowe said he couldn't immediately specify the style of the rifle or how investigators came to find it.

A suspect in Michael's death, 39-year-old Ian McCarthy, was arrested late Tuesday after a two-day manhunt and is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

McCarthy's public defender, Alice Wasson, said a not-guilty plea will be entered on McCarthy's behalf during a court appearance today.

Pertinent address:

Clinton, Mo.