Chicago man arrested in deadly Plymouth Hwy. 169 shooting, police say

Plymouth police announced Thursday they have arrested a suspect in connection with a deadly shooting on Highway 169 on July 6 that took the life of baseball coach Jay Boughton. 

Plymouth Police Chief Erik Fadden said Jamal Smith, 33, of Chicago was arrested in Decatur, Illinois on Aug. 24 with the help of Plymouth Police Department investigators, the U.S. Marshals and the Decatur Illinois Police Department. Smith was booked into the Macon County Jail for second-degree murder and is awaiting extradition to Minnesota. 

Boughton, 56, was driving home from a baseball game with his son when he was shot and killed by someone in another vehicle. After being shot, Boughton drove off the road and crashed in a nearby parking lot. 

The suspect fled the scene. Boughton was brought to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The suspect vehicle was recovered on July 23

Jay Boughton Hwy 169

Jay Boughton, 56, was shot and killed while driving on Highway 169 on July 10.  (FOX 9)

Fadden said the case remains an open and active investigation. 

"The news I am telling you today does not mean our investigation is over by any means," he said. "Our detectives are continuing to follow leads, conduct interviews and painstakingly review additional evidence." 

Being able to share some good news with Boughton's family was a "bright moment." 

"It was nice to be able to have a good phone conversation with the family that has nothing but bad news over the last eight weeks," he said. "This doesn't do anything to bring Jay back, clearly, but I think it does help the family to understand that they are not going to be wondering forever what happened or who is responsible for this."