Ray Pleads Not Guilty To Charges In Steelville Man’s Murder

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 2:56pm

A Steelville man who faces charges in a June murder has pleaded not guilty.

Eric Ray, 50, appeared before Judge Michael Randazzo on Monday.

Ray pleaded not guilty to tampering with evidence and abandonment of a corpse in the death of Albert Barton, 20, on June 8.

Beau Dyer, 20, is accused of murdering Barton that night. His body was discovered June 20 on McCormick Road in Steelville.

Dyer has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with evidence.

Barton and Dyer had a child together and according to the probable cause statement, were arguing about her involvement with Ray.

Dyer allegedly shot Barton and left him lying in a wooded area.

Ray allegedly rolled Barton over and took his phone, later hiding it under a low water crossing several miles away.

Ray remains in custody at the Crawford County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 12 for a bond reduction hearing.

Dyer is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Megan Seay Oct. 4.