Police: Drug Argument Led To Roommate's Slaying In Butler County

Authorities in Butler County said a man missing since his housemate's body was found has been arrested and charged in the homicide.

Police in Butler County said Thomas Smith, 49, of Mercer Township, was taken into custody Saturday and charged with one count of criminal homicide. He was arraigned before District Judge Dave Kovach of Cranberry and then taken to the Butler County Jail.

Police said they were looking for Smith after Clifford Stevenson, 56, was found shot to death Thursday night in the home the men shared along Route 8 just outside Harrisville.

An autopsy revealed Stevenson died from a gunshot wound to his head.

According to the criminal complaint, Stevenson accused Smith of taking marijuana from the house they shared. In the complaint, police said Smith confessed to shooting Stevenson at point blank range with a rifle.

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