Authorities in Iowa says a Pottawattamie County man has been charged in connection with the death of a Mills County woman. 24 year-old Chad Fortner of Council Bluffs was charged today (Tuesday) with 2nd Degree Murder in the death of 47 year-old Carol Meston, of Glenwood.

On October 12th, emergency responders were called to Meston’s home where Fortner was also staying.  It was initially reported that an altercation had taken place between Fortner and a male acquaintance.  Fortner had reported that during the altercation, Meston was knocked to the ground where she hit her head on a piece of furniture and was rendered unconscious.  Meston never regained consciousness and ultimately died of her injuries the next day.

An autopsy was conducted by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and it was determined that Meston’s death was ruled a homicide due to the rupture of a vertebral artery.  Fortner is currently in the Mills County jail being held under a $50,000.00 bond.