Man from Springfield Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to May Homicide

One of two suspects in a murder case in Springfield is pleading guilty for his role in the shooting death of another man.

Prosecutors say Payne Morse was one of two suspects arrested in May of this year after police found Jimmie Johnson III shot dead at a home on North National Avenue.

Morse pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence, with each carrying a recommended five year prison sentence.

The second suspect, Ronald Curnow, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action, and second-degree murder.

Investigators believe Curnow was the one who shot Johnson.

A sentencing hearing for Morse has been scheduled for April 8, 2024.