An arrest has been made in connection with the March death of a Harlan man. Twenty-year old Colton Edward Blaine-Benson of Harlan was charged today with second-degree murder for the death of 39-year old Jay Anthony Casali.
Officials say Benson-Blaine and Casali were involved in a fight inside a home in Harlan during the early morning hours of March 5. Casali was transported by ambulance to the hospital in Harlan where he was treated for his injuries. The following evening, he was found dead inside of a different home in Harlan.
An autopsy conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office determined the injuries inflicted on Casali by Benson-Blaine contributed to Casali’s death. Benson-Blaine was taken into custody at his residence in Harlan at around 10:30 this morning. The arrest was made by officers with the Iowa D.C.I. and Harlan Police.
If convicted of the crime, Blaine-Benson would a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.
By Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic