Man Wanted for Mattoon Murder Spotted in Missouri, Steals Third Vehicle

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Published on March 28 2013 8:56 am
Written by Wayne Moran

UPDATE: A story circulated online by several news outlets Thursday evening indicated that O'Dell had been accused of a 2nd murder, this one in Missouri. We have confirmed with officials that this report is inaccurate.

The man wanted in the murder of Benjamin Newton has been spotted in Missouri, reports say.

Officials believe murder suspect Thomas R. O'Dell, of Cumberland County, first stole a car in Illinois, and ditched that vehicle at a Casey's store in Mansfield, MO. O'Dell then stole another car at gunpoint, a red Chevy Cavalier, that he left at the Springfield 11 Theaters in Springfield, MO. (RAW video)
 
Police believe that O'Dell swapped rides Wednesday evening, taking a white 2012 Ford F-250 that was parked at the theater. The license plate of the truck is 44B-0G4. Springfield, MO is a little over 3 hours south and west of St. Louis. Police still urge that O'Dell is considered to be armed and dangerous.



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Benjamin Newton was tending bar at Toaster's March 18 when he was shot at close range. An undisclosed sum of cash was taken as well.
 
An arrest warrant was issued for O'Dell after police investigated the shooting. O'Dell has a long criminal past, as well as stints in prison on weapons and drug charges, and has a history of drug abuse and domestic issues.
 
Anyone with information as to O’Dell’s whereabouts is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-866-345-8488, or the Mattoon Police Department at 217-235-5451.