Two Zalma men arrested in connection with Wayne County killing

A joint investigation by several law enforcement agencies has led to the arrests of Russell Dale Mayberry and his father, Roger Dale Mayberry, in connection with the death of Kenneth Willard. Both suspects are from Zalma, Missouri.

Willard's body was recovered in the Black River in Wayne County on Jan. 24. The 53-year-old Bismarck, Missouri, man was last seen in Stoddard County on Oct. 20, when he embarked on a hunting trip on his family's land, according to previous reports. After a fisherman found his body stuck by a log in a remote area, authorities reported Willard's death was caused by a gunshot wound.

Russell Mayberry is charged with first-degree murder. His bond is set at $500,000 cash only.

Roger Mayberry faces a charge of hindering prosecution of a felony and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. His bond is $25,000 cash only.

Both men are in custody.

Agencies involved in the investigation are the Bollinger County Sheriff's Office, the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.