Prosecutors Charge Two in North National Avenue Shooting in Springfield

Two people are facing charges, including murder, in the death of a man on North National Avenue in Springfield earlier this week.

Investigators say they were called to a home in the area at around 2:00 am Wednesday morning.

When they searched the residence, 42-year-old Jimmie Johnson III was found in the backyard with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

After a short investigation, police were able to identify two suspects, 23-year-old Ronald Curnow and 22-year-old Payne Morse.

Morse, who was arrested on Wednesday, is charged with tampering with evidence and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Curnow, arrested on Thursday, is facing first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm charges.

Both men are being held in the Greene County Jail.