Cops: Man killed with hammer after getting water for stranger
FARGO, N.D. - Police say a North Dakota man was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by a murder suspect who knocked on his door and asked for a glass of water, reports CBS affiliate KVLY.
Ashley Hunter was allegedly high on meth when he jumped the fence behind the North Fargo house where Sam Traut, 24, was staying. According to court records, Hunter told authorities that he had seen his name on the news that night and knew he was wanted by police for the murder of another man, Clarence Flowers, on Monday. While waiting for Traut to return with the glass of water he requested, Hunter allegedly became worried Traut would call police, so he entered the house and hit him on the head with a hammer.
Traut's body was discovered Tuesday. The house he was staying in is owned by the local Catholic diocese. KVLY reports that Traut was a teacher and a missionary.
Hunter is being held without bail for Traut's death and the death of 54-year-old Flowers, who investigators reportedly say was stabbed more than 50 times with a large knife.
Hunter is also charged with arson because he allegedly attempted to set Traut's house on fire.