Mental evaluation order filed for Columbia murder, arson suspect

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Prosecutors filed an order on Thursday requesting a mental examination for a Columbia man accused of murder and arson.

Steven M. Strumpf, 31, of Columbia was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, second-degree arson and credit card fraud after firefighters discovered a body under debris Friday in a garage on Deerfoot Way. He is being held without bond at the Boone County Jail.

Strumpf appeared in court Thursday and a bond hearing was set for 1 p.m. Monday.

Strumpf allegedly admitted to stabbing the victim, referred to as "DS" in a probable cause statement, in the neck several times before putting gas on the body and lighting it on fire.

The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to the 3900 block of Deerfoot Way just after midnight to a residential structure fire. When they arrived the garage and attic were engulfed in flames.

Firefighters later went back to check for hotspots, when they discovered the body under debris.

Columbia Police said an arson dog later found accelerants near the body. After investigating, the fire was found to be suspicious.