Jasper Police Recover Murder Weapon in Byerly Killing

   Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter tells KFDM News his officers have recovered the weapon they believe Eric Smith used to kill Martin Byerly, and the chief says Smith has been cooperating with investigators.

   Jasper Police, with assistance from the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, arrested Smith, 35, Sunday at his home.  Investigators say a telephone tip led them to skeletal remains they believe are Byerly's on Saturday, about five miles north of Jasper, near Highway 96.  They're waiting on a final autopsy report, but based on clothing and items found at the location, the chief says they believe the remains are Bylery's.

   A judge arraigned Smith Monday on a charge of capital murder in the death of Byerly.  The judge refused to set bond.

   Byerly was last seen September 28 at a tavern in Jasper.  His truck was recovered a day later outside a Jasper shoe store.  It contained his wallet and his blood.

  "We questioned Smith on Monday night and he's cooperating," Chief Hunter told KFDM News Tuesday morning.

   "Based on his information, we went to several locations and recovered a murder weapon late Monday night in Jasper County.  I don't want to describe the weapon until the autopsy is complete."   

   The chief told us he doesn't believe Byerly, 58, was killed where the body was found.

   The chief says his office continues to receive helpful information from the public.

   If you have any information, call Detective Mike Poindexter at the Jasper Police Department at 384-3471.

   Stay with KFDM for the latest on the story.