Authorities in western Iowa report an arrest has been made in connection with investigation into the March death of a Harlan man. 20-year old Colton Edward Blaine-Benson, of Harlan, was charged today (Monday) with Murder in the Second Degree – a Class B Felony – 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 5th. 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, around 10:30 this (Monday) morning. The arrest was made by officers with the Iowa D-C-I and Harlan Police.