Judge finds probable cause in Thanksgiving Homicide; both defendants remain jailed on $10M bond

Two men charged in connection with a Thanksgiving night homicide in southern Logan County remain in custody on $10 million bonds after court appearances on Wednesday.

Aldon Owen Harmon appeared in court with his attorney, Alyssa Gordy-Leland, for a preliminary hearing on his first-degree murder charge. After hearing testimony, the judge ruled there was probable cause to believe a crime was committed and probable cause to believe Harmon committed the crime. Attempts by his attorney, in the past, to have the bond lowered have been unsuccessful.

On the same day, co-defendant Steven Canning waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Represented by court-appointed attorney Joan Lopez, Canning is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. His next court date is scheduled for September 19.

The charges stem from the death of Michael Smith, whose body was discovered outside a property on East County Oaks Road on Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2024. Initially believed to be a natural death, the case was reclassified as a homicide when the Medical Examiner found a small-caliber bullet lodged in Smith’s body.

Investigators allege Harmon and Canning confronted Smith over a stolen bicycle belonging to Canning’s friend’s daughter. Witnesses reported a confrontation involving bats and a rake, followed by what sounded like a gunshot. They said Harmon was seen returning to a truck and driving away while Smith collapsed near his tent.

Canning later told authorities that Harmon shot Smith with a silver revolver before leaving the scene. Harmon denied possessing a firearm or shooting Smith, but a silver revolver matching Canning’s description was recovered from Harmon’s residence during a search.

The investigation also revealed the bicycle in question was later found abandoned in a dilapidated shed. Both men have pleaded not guilty and remain behind bars as the case moves forward.