Murder suspect formally charged in Boone County

A suspect in a Columbia murder returned to Boone County and made his first court appearance Monday.

Derrick Copelin, 17, was arrested in New Orleans last week, but returned to the Boone County Jail over the weekend.

Prosecutors formally charged Copelin with the Jan. 3 murder of Dontay Tolston. His bond was set at $1 million on a single charge of second-degree murder.

Police have also arrested Martrell Smith for his role in the murder, but are still searching for a third suspect. Jimiah Lambert remains on the run and according to Smith, Lambert is the triggerman.

Columbia police consider Lambert armed and dangerous.