Charges Upgraded to Murder After Springfield Man Dies

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A suspect jailed in the assault of Springfield man now faces a murder charge after an autopsy confirmed the alleged victim died from his injuries.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that 35-year-old Edward Andresen had a first-degree assault charge elevated to second-degree murder on Tuesday. His attorney, Bryan Delleville, didn't immediately return a phone call.

Police found 40-year-old James W. Belvin unconscious in the early morning hours of Aug. 1 about 11 blocks from his home. Police said he had severe facial and head injuries and a brain bleed.

The probable cause statement says witnesses saw Andresen repeatedly kick, punch and stomp Belvin's head. A week later, Belvin died.

Assistant Prosecutor Russell Dempsey says he was waiting on Belvin's autopsy to confirm a cause of death before amending the charge.