Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Springfield, MO: Update: Man Charged in Springfield MO Stabbing Death

(Springfield, MO) -- A Springfield man is charged with murder following a stabbing Sunday afternoon.

Clarence L. Smith is charged with Second Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and two counts of Assault.

The death happened just before 4 p.m. Sunday at 1331 W. Mount Vernon. That's where officers say they heard screams for help and located two injured females outside the home -- Misty Smith and Rhonda Cruse, who is Clarence's ex-girlfriend.

According to court documents, Misty had been stabbed severely in the leg.

When officers went inside, they found the body of Terry Brake, 39, on the kitchen floor. He was stabbed in the head, upper torso, and left shoulder.

Court documents (see below) allege Cruse told Clarence earlier in the day that she was in a relationship with Brake and that Clarence would need to move out move out by Monday or she'd be getting an ex-parte order of protection against him.

Clarence Smith was arrested following a brief interview with witnesses. He's held in Greene County Jail in lieu of $300,000 bond.

Police say he told them he "snapped" and stabbed Brake two times in the stomach area, but couldn't remember details about the incident. He then allegedly walked to a friend's house who lived across the street.

Police were at the home much of Sunday evening processing the crime scene and interviewing neighbors.

No comments: