Suspect In Beating Death Held On $1M Bond

A Springfield businessman was robbed and beaten to death inside his family business, and the man who police said did it appeared in court.

Police and prosecutors are being quiet about the case involving the death of businessman Jeff Ebner. They will not say how they came to believe that Willie Anderson is the alleged killer, and they won’t say what kind of evidence led them to the charges on Friday.

The beating was one that stunned the community. Ebner, 53, was robbed and beaten inside his family’s auto parts lot, Ebner and Sons. He died one day later.

Anderson appeared in court and the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. His bond was also set at $1 million.

Springfield police found out about the beating by an anonymous call to 911.

Anderson, 43, was already in jail on a parole violation and an old burglary charge when a grand jury approved nine criminal charges against him.

The charges include murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. The new charges were approved, thanks in part to the precision team work of the police department.

Chief Steve Moody said, “The uniform officers did a great job preserving the scene.”

Moody remains quiet about the evidence they have until it is presented during Anderson’s trial. However, he is confident that the facts will support the charges and secure a conviction.