A California man has been charged in connection with a death that was discovered early Wednesday morning in a California home.
James L. Collier, 45, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and third-degree assault with no bond in connection with the death at 310 S. East St.
Police were dispatched about 3 a.m. Wednesday to apartment 3 at the East Street address, and discovered a body on the floor between the unit's kitchen and living room, according to a probable cause statement. The deceased was not named in the probable cause statement.
According to the report, Collier was located inside a bedroom with blood on his clothing. Law enforcement officers, according to the report, had to force entry into the residence because the only two entries to the apartment were locked.
The report stated Collier was combative and "head butted" a Moniteau County deputy. He later made a statement to a California police officer, allegedly claiming responsibility for the homicide.
At 5:40 a.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrived on the scene to interview Collier. In the interview, he allegedly admitted to having had a physical altercation with the deceased earlier in the day. According to the report, Collier initially said he would sign a statement taking responsibility, but later said he could not remember what happened.
A news release from the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office released Thursday afternoon stated Collier was taken to a hospital in Jefferson City, where he was treated for a hand and foot injury prior to being transported to the Moniteau County Jail and charged with the crimes.