Two charged with capital murder after Ala. woman's body found
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Law enforcement officials in central Alabama say they have arrested two suspects after deputies responded to a call Monday morning reporting that a body was found, according to CBS affiliate WIAT.
Hunters reportedly called police after finding the body of a woman -- later identified as 29-year-old Samantha Christine Payne of Maplesville, Ala. -- in the Talladega National Forest. By Monday night, Michael David Belcher, 31, and Chylli Bruce, 18, were charged with capital murder in the case, according to the station.
Law enforcement says they have identified other potential suspects and expect more charges.
Investigators believe that Belcher and the victim knew each other and were together in the days before her murder. They also say that Payne and a number of suspects -- including the two arrested -- were together the night of Nov. 1 in nearby Bibb County.
The victim was allegedly assaulted, and the next day, authorities say, all of the suspects dropped off the body at the area where her remains were found a week later.
The cause of death and possible motive are not being released, reported WIAT.
Both Belcher and Bruce are being held in Tuscaloosa County Jail on no bond.
The investigation is ongoing and investigators ask that anyone with information to contact the Tuscaloosa County Homicide Unit at 205-464-8690 or Crimestoppers at 205-752-STOP (7867).