SALINE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a murder in Saline County and have made an arrest related to the discovery of a body near the Smoky Hill River Bridge on Tuesday.

The body was discovered by passersby one mile east of Salina, near the Smoky Hill River Bridge in Saline County.
The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Brandon Shelby of Salina.

Preliminary information suggests that Shelby suffered blunt force trauma to the head and other severe injuries. An autopsy will take place today to determine an official cause of death.

Agents and local law enforcement worked through the night and made an arrest at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Deputies arrested Charles Rodgers, 30, of Salina, an acquaintance of Shelby, booked him into the Saline County Jail for first degree murder and kidnapping. The alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred in both the city of Salina and in Saline

County.

Saline County Sheriff Soldan said that 40-year-old James E. Pavey was also arrested and faces first-degree murder charges. Both Rodgers and Pavey had outstanding warrants.

Rodgers has previous convictions for theft and forgery according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.