Columbia murder suspect dies in prison

LICKING, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man accused in a Columbia killing died while in prison on Thursday.

Michael L. Anderson, 28, of Columbia, was in South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Missouri, when he died, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann.

Pojmann said Anderson had a medical condition, but an autopsy was being performed to determine the official cause of death.

Anderson was a suspect in the death of 19-year-old E’quan Spain in September. He was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Court documents said Anderson fatally shot Spain as multiple men were shooting from a vehicle in September. Spain was hit by a bullet from inside the vehicle and later died, according to court documents.

Police arrested Anderson about two weeks after Spain's death.

ABC 17 News asked the DOC when the autopsy will be performed and is waiting to hear back.