Bismarck Police have confirmed reports of a local homicide at the 200 block of North 16th Street, near the intersection of Broadway Avenue.
Police have arrested one man believed to be connected to the homicide. 45-year-old Mark Anthony Butts was taken into custody early this morning.
The victim’s body was discovered shortly after a report was made to Police at 1:34am this morning. Another report helped authorities locate Butts, who had apparent cuts on his hand, in the Land O’ Lakes parking lot near the intersection of Main Avenue and 12th Street.
KX News is reporting that the victim was an unidentified male and the alleged suspect may be homeless. Prior to the incident, two people were reportedly seen inside the car where the victim was found. The car is not registered to the suspect.
Butts is being held at Burleigh County detention. Police are still searching for the murder weapon.
UPDATE (4:47pm):
The suspect, Mark Anthony Butts of California, was in court this afternoon in charges relating to the homicide. He has been formally charged with AA Felony Murder with Intent, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Butts had been working in Minot and was recently staying at the Ruth Meiers shelter.
