Murder Charges Filed in Eric Williamson Case

After an investigation involving several law enforcement agencies in two states, formal charges have been filed in the murder of Eric Williamson.

On Monday, Aug. 9, a no bond warrant was issued in Taney County for Rusty Cain Harvey, of Branson. Harvey has been charged with Murder in the 2nd degree in the case, according to Taney County court records. 

Williamson was reported missing on Thursday, June 15. The investigation into his disappearance led investigators to information about an altercation between Harvey and Williamson that had taken place at Harvey’s residence located on Concord Avenue in Branson, according to Branson Tri-Lakes News archives. 

On Wednesday, June 30, Harvey was arrested in Sharp County Arkansas at a family member's home. He was found barricaded in a closet in the home with multiple firearms and ammunition, according to the probable cause statement issued by Detective Shane Keys of the Taney County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the probable cause statement, Harvey told Keys during the altercation Williamson had a handgun, and he believed Williamson intended to use the gun to harm him and his family. Harvey said he shot Williamson with a .22 caliber rifle, moved Williamson’s body and vehicle to a remote location in Boone County Arkansas, and burned the vehicle containing the body. 

This past Tuesday, Harvey appeared in court by video where he pleaded not guilty, according to court records. The next court date is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16. 

The complete story on this case can be read on the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website.

(Story by AJ Meakins, Branson Tri-Lakes News)