UNION — An Arkansas man faces a first-degree murder charge after a Union man was found dead at a home Tuesday morning.

Following a 911 call, Hardin County Sheriff’s deputies found the deceased 74-year-old Steve Reece at the residence, 302 Commercial St., around 5:30 a.m.

Osborn E. Gavel of Baxter, Ark., is charged with first-degree murder and awaiting an initial court appearance in the Hardin County Jail.

According to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Gavel was staying with Reece on Monday night. He allegedly struck Reece in the head, causing his death.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation joined the death investigation after it was deemed suspicious.

The investigation is ongoing.