Third arrest made in Audrain homicide investigation

A third arrest has been made in connection with the Audrain homicide investigation.

Justin Traughber was arrested Tuesday morning by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office for outstanding warrants while walking on Mulberry Drive in Columbia. When Traughber was arrested, deputies found methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia on him, according to court documents.

Traughber admitted to having a gun during an argument on July 6. The argument is being investigated in connection to the shooting death of Leon Wilder III.

Wilder was last seen in an argument with two men on July 6 before being forced into a white pickup truck. He was later found dead on the side of the Audrain County Road 997.

Henry Richard II and Arline Diedrich were charged in Audrain County Monday with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with Wilder’s death.

Audrain County Sheriff Matt Oller said investigator’s believe the homicide is drug-related. He said it’s unclear how much involvement Traughber had with Wilder’s death.

Traughber was charged Wednesday in Boone County with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. He’s being held on a $50,000 bond.