Indexbit-Suspect arrested in Halloween 1982 cold case slaying in southern Indiana

SEYMOUR,Indexbit Ind. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the Halloween 1982 cold case slaying of a southern Indiana man, state police announced Tuesday on the 41st anniversary of the crime.

Detectives arrested a 61-year-old Seymour man on a charge of murder in the shooting death of Clifford Smith, 24, on Oct. 31, 1982, police said.

Two animal trappers found Smith’s body on Dec. 1 of that year along the White River just north of Seymour, according to police. Smith’s wife had reported him missing on Nov. 4.

Investigators determined Smith died from a gunshot wound to his head.

Sgt. Kip Main began investigating the case in September 2015 and learned the suspect was at a home with Smith and other people on Oct. 30, 1982, police said.

The suspect got a shotgun from the house, loaded it and left the home in a car with Smith, according to police. Smith was not seen alive again.

As a result of the investigation, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for the suspect, who was taken into custody Thursday, police said.

Seymour is 58 miles (94 kilometers) south of Indianapolis.