Who is Ronald Jack Anderson? Indiana man arrested for shooting dead brother-in-law in 41-year-old cold case
SEYMOUR, INDIANA: A 61-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, October 31, 41 years after he allegedly shot and killed his 24-year-old brother-in-law in Indiana, officials said.
Ronald Jack Anderson allegedly shot Clifford Smith in the head on October 31, 1982, Indiana State Police said.
Late Clifford Smith's wife reported his husband to be missing on November 4 of that year.
Two animal trappers discovered Smith's body in an area along the White River near County Roads, north of Seymour, Indiana on December 1, 1982.
Over the years, police have investigated the case to no avail. However, new officers examined the cold case and which led to Anderson's arrest.
Why did police arrest Ronald Jack Anderson ?
Indiana State Police officials said in the arrest announcement, “The Indiana State Police is committed to solving previously unsolved cases to provide closure to the family and to make an arrest so those responsible for these crimes are held accountable and prosecuted in court."
“Sgt Kip Main has been actively investigating the case since September 2015,” police stated in the arrest announcement post.
Kip determined that Anderson and his brother-in-law Smith had been at a home along with several others late at night on October 30, 1982.
His investigation indicated to him that Anderson retrieved a shotgun from the house and loaded it.
Officials said that Anderson, who still had the loaded gun, left the residence in a vehicle with Smith, and it was the last time he was seen alive.
“Anderson also allegedly returned the murder weapon back to the home on 13th Street and returned to the crime scene soon after the murder to hide potential evidence.” the arrest announcement post stated.
What are charges against Ronald Jack Anderson?
An Indiana State Police spokesman confirmed that officers had spoken with Anderson in the past, including shortly after Smith's demise.
Officials were able to file charges against Anderson due to a new detective conducting fresh interviews and examining old evidence.
A police spokesperson said to CBS News, that their policy is not to share information on a possible motive.
Indiana State Police Detectives in cooperation with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, issued an arrest warrant for murder and thereafter the 61-year-old was arrested at his residence on the east side of Seymour, Indiana without any incident, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
From there, Anderson was transported to the Jackson County Jail.