Video provided by KTVO in Kirksville, MO.
49-year-old Paul Potter of Kirksville, is now being charged with first degree murder in the case
/ KTVO
KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The name of the victim in the Kirksville Village 76 murder and dismemberment a week ago has now been released, according to our sister station KTVO in Kirksville.
The victim has been identified as 74-year-old Willis Meredith, of Kirksville, who also went by the name of Jake Steadman.
KTVO received a release from Adair County Prosecutor Matt Wilson stating that the identity was made after consulting with family members, reviewing family photos and from tattoos on the victim’s body. The Associated Press reports that fingerprint identification has also been ordered.
Amended and additional charges have also been filed in the case. The suspect in the murder, 49-year-old Paul Potter of Kirksville, is now being charged with first degree murder in the case, amended from a previous second degree murder charge.
Potter is accused of killing Meredith and throwing the victim's dismembered arms at bystanders gathered at the Village 76 apartment community.
Potter was arraigned in Associate Circuit Court via video link at the jail Wednesday and he is scheduled to have a date for a preliminary hearing set on January 16, KTVO reports.
The Associate Press contributed to this report.
Previous stories from KTVO:
Murder victim identified
Witnesses to gruesome homicide speak out
Prosecutor speaks out on murder investigation
Fire response leads to murder investigation
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