JONESBORO, Ill. (AP) — A suspect in a southern Illinois beating death last month is back in the area after being arrested in Mississippi.

Union County sheriff's officials returned 26-year-old Michael Ellis of Elkville from Chickasaw County, Miss., on Wednesday night.

Ellis and Tommy Reams of Dowell are charged with first-degree murder and home invasion in the killing of 57-year-old Gerald Dziczkowski (dihs-KOW'-skee) of rural Dongola.

Investigators contend Ellis helped Reams bind Dziczkowski with duct tape and electrical cords before the victim was beaten with an air pistol and kicked to death at his home.

Ellis was arrested last weekend in Mississippi after trying to avoid a police roadblock.

Ellis doesn't have a listed home telephone number. Online court records don't show whether he has an attorney.