Joseph Lloyd Rayfield, 42, was arrested Wednesday in Myrtle Beach, SC in connection with the murder of Alfred Michael Smith, 52 in Charlotte last month.Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have been searching for Rayfield for about one week after he was named publicly as a suspect in the case. The public was to aid in finding Rayfield when authorities advised that he may have fled to Myrtle Beach in the victim's car.
Smith was found dead in his home on Red Hickory Lane July 24 when someone went to check on him. Authorities never released a motive or details of Smith's death other than "obvious signs of foul play".
Rayfield is a convicted felon with an assortment of drug, assault, and larceny charges. He will be extradited back to the Queen City to stand trial.
CMPD is still looking for the victim's vehicle, a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, champagne color with NC Tag RXR-1112. Unique to the vehicle are a beach scene on the front tag and decal of a marlin on the rear windshield.
Police have asked anyone with information on this incident to call a homicide detective directly at (704) 432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 with the option to remain anonymous.