According to authorities, a man that was found sealed in a 55 gallon barrel four miles east of Bayard along Red Willow Creek last Friday afternoon has been identified as 23-year-old Pedro Adrian Dominguez of Greeley, Colorado.

An arrest affidavit says 24-year-old Zachary A. Mueller of Bridgeport had connections with the murder. Mueller has been charged with first degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. Officials have Mueller in custody. He is currently in custody on separate charges in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Authorities say that Mueller shot Dominguez sometime on November 22nd or 23rd and disposed of his body in a barrel.

Panhandle Post will have more information as it becomes available.