Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: July 13, 2007

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two arrested for murder of elderly man

Shreveport Police have arrested two people on charges of first-degree murder for the homicide of 85-year-old Charles Martin of Shreveport.

Martin was reported missing Wednesday after family members could not reach him. His car was gone, but there was no sign of forced entry into the front of his home in the 400 block of Watts.

While investigating the case, detectives began to question people who knew Martin to try to determine his whereabouts.

When they arrived at the home of Martin’s friend, 38-year-old Beverly Suzette Arthur in the 8900 block of Torento, they discovered Martin’s 2002 Chrysler 300 in the driveway.

Detectives questioned Arthur and her friend, 38-year-old Eric Mickelson of Shreveport. They soon uncovered information that made them believe the two killed Martin and dumped his body outside the city limits in Caddo Parish.

Late Thursday night, detectives discovered Martin’s body. It is believed he was killed by strangulation.

The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has taken custody of the body for autopsy. A motive for the homicide is still being determined.

Because the case is still under investigation, no other details can be released at this time.

Information can be left with crimestoppers at 673-7373 or by logging onto the crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews