Renter Arrested In Death Of Cherokee County Man

Associated Press

TAHLEQUAH, OK (AP) -- Authorities have arrested a man on a first-degree murder complaint for the killing of his landlord.

A Cherokee County District Court judge on Thursday ordered William Christopher Lewis be held without bond.

Lewis is suspected in the death of 60-year-old Robert Audd, whose body was found in a wooded area behind his home on Tuesday.

Undersheriff Jason Chennault says Audd had a head injury and gunshot wounds to the torso.

5/20/2010 Related Story: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Investigates Man's Murder

The 35-year-old Lewis rented a home from Audd, who was reported missing last week after family members hadn't seen him since May 10.

Chennault alleged that Lewis told investigators the men argued about overdue rent, and he shot and killed Audd on May 11.

Lewis hasn't been formally charged.