Two arrested after Liberty man’s tortured body found at Smithville Lake

Prosecutors charged a 20-year-old North Kansas City man with first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges in the torture slaying of a Liberty man whose body was found early Sunday in a park at Smithville Lake.

A male minor also was arrested, although the Clay County prosecutor’s office did not specify what charges he might face.

The victim, 58-year-old Mark Thomas of Liberty, was driving the pair home when he was attacked and robbed, according to the probable cause statement filed by police. He died from a blow to the head, according to the court documents.

Zachary Lisle is charged with murder, kidnapping, robbery and armed criminal action. Bond was set at $1 million.

Family members reported Thomas missing early Saturday after he left to drive Lisle and the minor home.

His car was found in a trailer park where Lisle had been staying. Inside the vehicle police found a big knife, large amounts of blood and other evidence. Thomas’ body was found inside a park restroom with his ankles bound, a bag wired around his head and his ring finger partially severed.

This story was originally published January 5, 2014 at 9:59 AM with the headline "Two arrested after Liberty man’s tortured body found at Smithville Lake."