Man in custody in Marion County homicide

Police have a suspect in custody in the Saturday death of a Columbia man.

Marcus Christopher, 50, of Columbia, was found dead in a ditch off Wesley Road Saturday afternoon, officials said.

Police then issued a BOLO ("be on the lookout") for the victim's 2004 Cadillac Escalade. It was found late Saturday at North Park Apartments in Columbia.

A release from the sheriff's department states that John Mark Davis, 37, was arrested late Saturday night by Marion County deputies. Residents of the area had reportedly called in a suspicious person going door to door, according to WDAM's Ryan Moore.

Marion County Coroner Norma Williamson said the cause of death will be determined by an autopsy.

Davis was taken into custody and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and taking away a motor vehicle.

The Clarion-Ledger has contacted Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall and we are awaiting comment.

If you have any information on Christopher's death, contact the Marion County Sheriff's Department at (601) 736-5051.

Contact Therese Apel at 601-961-7236 or tapel@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.