Suspect arrested following fatal Caruthersville shooting

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A trail of blood led police to a suspect in a fatal shooting Wednesday.

Caruthersville police report a 50-year-old Caruthersville man is in custody at the Pemiscot County Jail as the investigation continues into the death of Stephen Francis "Stevie" Smith, 29, of Caruthersville. An autopsy is scheduled for today on Smith at the Mineral Area Medical Facility in Farmington, Mo.

According to Caruthersville City Marshal Chris Riggs, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, officers were called to a residence in the 1300 block of Zaida Avenue when a man, later identified as Smith, was beating on the door, covered in blood.

"Upon arrival of CPD officers to the scene, officers located a white male lying on the front porch of the residence, covered in blood and in obvious serious distress," Riggs said in a news release. He said although officers could not immediately determine the cause of the injuries, they began providing medical attention in an attempt to stabilize Smith's condition. A local medical professional also assisted officers until the arrival of an ambulance crew from Hayti, Mo.

"After rendering aid to the white male for several minutes, it was determined that the victim was deceased and was unable to be saved due to the extent of his injuries," Riggs said. At that time the Pemiscot County Coroner Jim Brimhall was called to the scene to assist with the investigation, the officer said.

As investigators arrived and began searching the area for evidence, they were able to follow a blood trail left by the victim from the house where he collapsed to a house next door. Riggs said as the officers attempted to make contact with the occupant of this residence, a man ran to the front door and attempted to close it on the officers.

"Officers immediately subdued the man and determined this man to be a person of interest in the investigation," Riggs said.

As officers continued their search inside the residence, Riggs said they observed what appeared to be the initial crime scene. Officers then secured the residence until obtaining a search warrant in order to collect and process evidence, according to the police chief.

Riggs said it appears that an altercation took place inside the residence. The victim then apparently fled in an attempt to get help for his injuries, staggering to the house next door.

Currently the cause of death for Smith is listed as a single gunshot wound. Riggs said that no motive is yet determined for the fatal shooting.

According to Riggs no charges had been filed Thursday morning against the suspect, who is not being named by police. However, he added, the investigation was continuing.

Pertinent address:

1300 Zaida Ave., Caruthersville, MO