Authorities suspect murder and armed criminal action

Joseph Harden

According to county authorities, after making the discovery, the resident notified police who immediately responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, investigators found Albert Lynn Harper, 64, of Paragould, Ark., deceased due to what appeared to be blunt force trauma to his head, according to Sheriff Tommy Greenwell.

Greenwell said police were able to determine the victims identity because he had actually been arrested in the early Tuesday morning hours during a traffic stop.

After reviewing the scene and Harper's injuries, investigators immediately grew suspicious that the head injury had been inflicted upon Harper during some kind of altercation, but were unsure of what type of weapon had been used.

Upon launching its investigation, the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Hayti Police Department who assisted in interviewing those who may have last seen Harper prior to his death.

"During the course of the interviews, a suspect was developed and later questioned," Greenwell said.

Meanwhile, Harper's body was scheduled for an autopsy at Area Mineral Hospital in Farmington, Mo., where it was determined that Harper had not only received blunt force trauma to the head, but also received multiple stab wounds to the chest area from his killer.

Back at the police station the questioning of key suspect, Joseph W. Harden, 41, of Hazen, Ark., led to the filing of charges in the murder case.

Harden's charges include one count of murder in the first degree and four counts of armed criminal action. He has also been charged with one count of robbery in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence.

According to investigators, evidence has been collected to substantiate Harden's involvement in the murder.

Investigators also claim to have collected enough evidence to support the allegation that Harden's brother, Glen Alan Harden, 38, of Campbell, Mo., was also involved.

He has been formally charged with hindering prosecution in connection with the case.

Joseph Harden is to appear in court today and is being held in the Pemiscot County Justice Center on no bond.

His brother, Glen Harden, was placed in the Dunklin County Justice Center and is being held on $20,000 bond.

Other agencies assisting with the investigation included the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office and Kennett Police Department.