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Writer's pictureDigital Staff

Arrest made on 41st anniversary of man’s death

Updated: Oct 31, 2023

A detective in Versailles oversaw the cold case

(VERSAILLES. Ind.) -- Indiana State Police have arrested a man they say committed murder on Halloween 41 years ago.


24-year-old Clifford Smith was shot to death in rural Jackson County on October 31, 1982.


Today, Ronald J. Anderson, age 61, Seymour, was arrested for Smith's murder.


Smith’s body was found by two animal trappers on December 1, 1982 in an area along the White River near County Roads 700 East and 800 North outside of Seymour.


It was determined at the time that Clifford died from a gun shot wound to the head. Indiana State Police Detectives investigated the death in 1982 but no arrests were made at the time.


Over the years, the case has been passed to new investigators to examine the case. Sgt. Kip Main has been actively investigating the case since September 2015.


Sgt. Main’s investigation determined Anderson was at a home with Smith and other individuals in the late hours of October 30th, 1982, police said


Police say Anderson grabbed a shotgun and left the home in a vehicle with Smith.


"Smith was not seen alive after they left the residence late that night," ISP public information officer Stephen Wheeles said. "Information gathered during the investigation indicated that Anderson was responsible for the death of Smith."


Anderson also allegedly returned the murder weapon back to the home and returned to the crime scene soon after the murder to hide potential evidence, police said .


The Indiana State Police continues to investigate all unsolved murder cases.


"All of these cases are continuously assigned to a detective for active investigation. The Indiana State Police is committed to solving previously unsolved cases to provide closure to the family and to make an arrest so those responsible for these crimes are held accountable and prosecuted in court," Wheeles said.



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