Springfield Police investigating officer-involved shooting, armed suspect killed

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 23, 2021, at 3:27 p.m., Springfield Police Officers were sent to 240 E. Norton Rd. to check on a male armed with a gun and trying to break into an apartment. An additional 911 caller also stated they heard shots being fired. 

When the officers arrived, they attempted to contact the armed male on the sidewalk in front of an apartment, however, the male refused to comply with commands. An officer deployed less lethal bean bag rounds at the male which were unsuccessful. 

While the male continued to refuse to comply with commands, he pointed a gun at officers. Two officers then fired at the male striking him multiple times. The officers then took the male into custody and performed life-saving measures. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased male has been identified as Richard R. McCormick, 62, from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made to his family.

The three officers involved in the shooting incident have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the 26th homicide for 2021.

Bald eagle viewing, activities scheduled at Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Team members at Roaring River State Park invite the public to watch for bald eagles along Roaring River and participate in eagle-themed activities from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8.

When water sources freeze in the north, bald eagles migrate south to find food and water. With its constant flowing water and abundance of fish, Roaring River is often frequented by eagles.

This program is free and open to the public. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and snacks. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look at these magnificent birds.

The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others.

Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information about the event, call the nature center at 417-847-3742.

Springfield Police investigate officer-involved shooting

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 20, 2021, at approximately 2:03 a.m., Springfield Police Officers were checking a black and white spray-painted Chevrolet Gladiator van at the Fast N’ Friendly located at 1451 N. Kansas Expressway. 

The van was occupied by a male subject known to the officers as Talon Williams. Williams had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation. 

As the officers approached the vehicle, they contacted a female walking away from it. While they were talking with the female, they also attempted to contact Williams who remained in the van. Williams pointed a firearm at the officers while trying to flee in the vehicle. 

 Two officers fired shots at Williams, who was able to flee the scene in the van. The van was later located abandoned at the intersection of Nichols and Campbell, but Williams was not located. The officers were not injured during the incident.

Springfield Police Officers searched several residences throughout the day for Talon Williams. He was ultimately located and arrested, without incident, by SPD’s Special Response Team about 4:00 p.m. at 1053 S. Thelma in Springfield, Missouri.

The case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review and filing of appropriate charges.

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

West Plains woman sentenced to 20 years for leading meth conspiracy

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

Two West Plains, Missouri, residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties.

Shirley J. Hicks, 64, and Shaun M. Ross, 44, both of West Plains, were sentenced in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. Hicks was sentenced to 20 years and one month in federal prison without parole. Ross was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole.

Hicks, the leader of the conspiracy, and Ross each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties from Dec. 31, 2015, to June 21, 2019. Hicks also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hicks’s residence on July 24, 2018, they found a red toolbox inside a shop/barn that contained six bags with a total of 5.627 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. Inside a bedroom closet in the house, officers also found 12 bags with a total of 243 grams of pure methamphetamine inside a black leather bag, and a blue waterproof box that contained 122.892 grams of pure methamphetamine.

During the search, officers also found five handguns in the toolbox and five more firearms in the house. Officers also seized a total of $20,393, which Hicks admitted was proceeds from her distribution of methamphetamine.

Two days later, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance and saw Ross visit Hicks’s house. Officers conducted a traffic stop afterward and searched Ross’s vehicle, where they found a zippered bag that contained 17.69 grams of methamphetamine, a small bag of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. After Ross was arrested, he told investigators that he purchased methamphetamine from Hicks for $600 per ounce, which he then distributed to others. Ross said he had been getting two or three ounces of methamphetamine from her each month for several months.

Hicks and Ross are among six defendants who have been sentenced in this case.

Fontella J. Noose, 41, of Springfield, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Benny D. Griffin, 59, of West Plains, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Jordan W. Gutierrez, 27, of West Plains, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Jose I. Gonzales, 39, of West Plains, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

Co-defendants Raymon F. Ortega, 65, of West Plains; James E. Cooper, 54, of Mountain View; and Luis Ortiz Rodriguez, 39, address unknown, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Sarff. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, and the Mountain View, Mo., Police Department.

Aryan Brotherhood member from Billings pleads guilty to meth trafficking

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Billings, Missouri, man who belongs to the Aryan Brotherhood pleaded guilty in federal court today to methamphetamine trafficking.

Jimmy Jack Pinkley, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

By pleading guilty today, Pinkley admitted that he was in possession of methamphetamine when he was stopped by a Christian County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy on Jan. 17, 2021. Pinkley was driving a Dodge Charger, which was later identified as a stolen vehicle, in the area of Evergreen Circle, driving down multiple roads of the trailer park and stopping briefly at multiple houses. 

When the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, Pinkley pulled into a driveway and got out of the vehicle. The deputy ordered Pinkley to show his hands, but he reached with both his hands to his rear waistband. The deputy removed his firearm and again ordered Pinkley to show him his hands. After a brief pause, Pinkley lifted his hands above his head. The deputy handcuffed Pinkley and frisked him for weapons.

Pinkley appeared to be very nervous, sweating and breathing heavily. The deputy searched the vehicle and found a brown leather bag on the front passenger seat that contained approximately 195 grams of methamphetamine in multiple individually wrapped clear plastic baggies.

Pinkley told investigators the methamphetamine was what he had left from the 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine he had obtained from his supplier in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the previous day for $2,200. Pinkley, who said he had been selling methamphetamine for approximately six months, told investigators he received approximately one pound of methamphetamine during each trip to Oklahoma City.

Pinkley also told investigators that he is a member of the Aryan Brotherhood and that he joined the gang during his first stint in state prison. He showed them his patch to the gang.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Pinkley’s residence, where they found a loaded Maverick 12-gauge shotgun leaning against a safe in the metal shop located on the property behind Pinkley’s trailer. Inside the safe, officers found a small baggie of methamphetamine and a set of digital scales.

Today’s plea agreement also refers to an earlier traffic stop on Oct. 29, 2020. Law enforcement officers stopped a Pontiac Grand Prix in which Pinkley was a passenger. Officers found a brown nylon case under the front passenger’s seat that contained 11.48 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Under federal statutes, Pinkley is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Grand jury indicts Springfield man on child sexual exploitation charges

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Missouri, man who contacted hundreds of children through a teen dating website was indicted by a federal grand jury today on child sexual exploitation charges.

Kody Ryan Kelso, 30, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Today’s superseding indictment replaces the original indictment that was filed on June 23, 2021, and includes additional charges. Kelso has been detained without bond since his arrest on June 16, 2021.









Today’s indictment charges Kelso with the sexual exploitation of a child to produce child pornography and with using the internet and cell phone to induce a child under the age of 14 to engage in illicit sexual activity, both of which are related to an undercover law enforcement operation in the United Kingdom in which officers posed as a child.

The indictment also charges Kelso with one count of the sexual exploitation of a child victim to produce child pornography, one count of using the internet and cell phone to induce a second child victim under the age of 14 to engage in illicit sexual activity, and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, Kelso used an online service named My LOL, a teen dating site with chat features, to contact a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but in reality was an undercover law enforcement officer in the United Kingdom. Kelso allegedly asked her to have sexual intercourse with him and to send him nude images.

Kelso allegedly contacted more than 560 additional individual MyLOL users between Jan. 7 and Feb. 21, 2021. Each user was between the age of 13 and 17. In numerous instances, according to court documents, Kelso attempted to discuss sexual topics with these users and request sexual images.

In addition to the information from the United Kingdom, investigators received two Cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding Kelso’s online activity and posting a child pornography video online.

On June 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kelso’s apartment and he was arrested. Officers seized multiple electronic devices.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Springfield pedestrian killed on West Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police responded to the 3800 block of West Chestnut Expressway at 6:20 P.M., on December 10, 2021, regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

The initial investigation indicated a 2006 Chevy Impala made a left turn to travel East on Chestnut Expressway from Eldon Avenue and struck a pedestrian who was walking northbound across Chestnut Expressway. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital, where he later died.

The pedestrian was identified as Matthew Wood, a 43-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Wood's family has been notified.

The driver of the 2006 Chevy Impala, David Busick, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. No charges have been filed at this time as lab results are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers with the department's Traffic Section are asking anyone who has additional information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This motor vehicle crash marks the 29th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield man killed in collision at Glenstone and Portland

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Glenstone and Portland at 9:26 P.M., on December 11, 2021, regarding a motor vehicle crash involving two passenger cars.

The initial investigation indicated a 2017 Dodge Charger was driving southbound on Glenstone at a high rate of speed and was approaching the intersection of Glenstone and Portland. A 2005 Saturn L300 traveling north on Glenstone turned left to travel west on Portland. 

The Dodge Charger struck the Saturn L300 in the intersection. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The drivers were the only occupants in both vehicles. The driver of the Saturn L300 later died at the hospital.

The driver of the Saturn L300 was identified as Colby Compton, a 32-year-old male from Springfield. Mr. Compton's family has been notified.

The driver of the 2017 Dodge Charger, Jarol Leiva-Navarro, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. No charges have been filed at this time as lab results are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers with the department's Traffic Section are asking anyone who has additional information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This motor vehicle crash marks the 30th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2021.

Bolivar man charged with assault, armed criminal action following officer-involved shooting in Springfield

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

At approximately 10:52 p.m. on December 10, 2021, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation near Republic Road on the south side of Springfield, Missouri. 

The driver of the vehicle failed to yield, and a brief pursuit ensued. The driver of the vehicle drove off the roadway on East Amory Court in Springfield and the vehicle became disabled. 

The driver was armed with a shotgun and fired upon the trooper. The trooper was struck by the gunfire and sustained serious injuries. The trooper returned fire at the suspect. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The trooper was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

A perimeter was established around the area by law enforcement officials. During the course of the investigation, Justin M. Jackman, 37, of Bolivar, Missouri, was identified as a person of interest. At approximately 7:25 a.m., Jackman was located inside the perimeter of the search area by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and taken into custody without incident. Jackman was transported to the Greene County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold.

On December 11, 2021, the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Jackman with assault-first degree, armed criminal action, felony possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest. Jackman is being held without bond.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the incident. The investigation is ongoing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Park Rangers, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Cox Ambulance Service, and Springfield Fire Department.

Lawrence County receives "fair" rating in state audit

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released the report of her regularly scheduled audit of Lawrence County, located in southwest Missouri. The report, which gives a rating of "fair," is the first audit of the county since a 2016 audit gave the county a rating of "poor" - the lowest possible - and the subsequent 2017 follow-up report

Auditors made several recommendations to improve accounting controls in the office of the County Collector. 

The Collector's office collected approximately $30.3 million in property taxes and other receipts during the year ended February 28, 2021. Auditors found that office personnel do not always issue receipt slips, do not always record the method of payment accurately in the property tax system, and do not reconcile the composition of receipts to the compositions of deposits. 

In addition, the County Collector did not prepare adequate bank reconciliations, did not prepare monthly lists of liabilities to reconcile to available cash balances, and lacks procedures to properly handle outstanding checks.

The audit report also recommended improved controls and procedures over the property tax system, and recommended improvements in the offices of the Public Administrator and the Sheriff.

Auditors also found that cybersecurity controls over county computers are not sufficient. As a result, county records are not adequately protected and are susceptible to unauthorized access or loss of data. The audit recommended that the county require confidential passwords for each employee that contain a minimum number of characters and are periodically changed to prevent unauthorized access to county computers and data.

A complete copy of the report is available here.

Park Hill assistant superintendent named to head Springfield Public Schools HR department

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Dr. Bill Redinger, current assistant superintendent of human resource services for Park Hill School District in Kansas City, has been named the next chief human resources officer for Springfield Public Schools, effective July 1. 

In his new role, Dr. Redinger will be responsible for hiring, onboarding, evaluating and supporting the diverse workforce of Missouri’s largest school district, which employs more than 3,500 individuals. Dr. Redinger’s SPS tenure will follow the retirement of Mrs. Penney Rector.

“SPS looks forward to welcoming Dr. Redinger to Springfield,” said Dr. John Mulford, deputy superintendent of operations for SPS. “His leadership has resulted in clear alignment of human resource services to the critical functions of recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and supporting every team member.”

Prior to serving 10 years with the Park Hill School District, Dr. Redinger led the Lone Jack School District as superintendent. Other administrative experience includes service as the superintendent/principal of East Lynne School; principal of Pleasant Hope Middle School; and assistant principal of Prairie Star Middle School in Overland Park, KS. Dr. Redinger began his career in education as a teacher at Harrisonville Middle School.

“As a former teacher, principal and school superintendent, I have always measured my success in terms of the students I serve,” said Dr. Redinger. “My wife is a former SPS teacher and our children began school at Wilder Elementary. The potential to move my leadership to Springfield is exciting to me.”

Dr. Redinger completed his undergraduate studies at Missouri State University, graduate studies in school administration at University of Central Missouri, an education specialist degree from Southwest Baptist University and a doctorate in education leadership from Saint Louis University.

Former West Plains school employee sentenced to 17 years for sexually exploiting children, child pornography

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A former employee of the West Plains, Missouri, R-7 School District was sentenced in federal court today with soliciting children to send him sexually explicit photos and videos through Snapchat and Instagram.

Cody Ashton Ary, 31, of West Plains, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Ary to pay $6,000 in restitution.

Ary was employed at the time of the offense with the West Plains R-7 School District as a paraprofessional who commonly assisted with special need students. He was a site director for the Boys and Girls Town Club.

Ary, who has been in federal custody since his arrest on May 20, 2020, pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, Instagram initiated a CyberTip with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Dec. 3, 2019, after Ary uploaded a sexually explicit video of an 8-to-10-year-old boy to his account. Investigators found a total of 92 chat conversations between Ary and other Instagram users. Ary used the screen name “15anime_boy” and identified himself as a 15-year-old male to other users. He solicited sexually explicit videos and images from other users who identified to be minor males. Ary received dozens of images and videos of child pornography through his Instagram account. Ary asked the child victims to send him videos and images of them stripping in exchange for Ary providing Internet links to folders that contained child pornography.

An FBI task force officer in Buffalo, New York, was investigating a separate case in October 2019 in which Ary used a different Snapchat account to solicit and receive child pornography from other users reporting to be minors.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ary’s residence on May 20, 2020, where he was arrested. Ary admitted to investigators that he searched for minor males on Instagram and asked them for videos and images of themselves nude. Ary stated he would receive images and videos from the users, which depicted minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Ary also admitted that he also used Snapchat, chat-avenue, and other internet mediums to distribute links to child pornography folders and to contact minor males. Investigators found images of child pornography on Ary’s cell phone.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Nixa physician pleads guilty to conspiracy, making a false statement related to health care

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Nixa, Missouri, physician pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to making a false statement to Medicare to obtain insurance coverage for a fentanyl prescription and to conspiring with others to use his DEA registration number to issue Schedule II controlled substances to patients in his absence.

Randall Halley, 65, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Tuesday, Dec. 7, to one count of making a false statement related to healthcare and one count of conspiracy to use a registration number issued to another person in connection with the distribution of a controlled substance.

Halley, a licensed physician, was employed by Ozark Community Hospital - Christian County Clinic in Nixa from 2004 to June 2019. He also was employed from 2009 to 2017 as the medical director at Magnolia Square, a skilled nursing facility in Springfield, Mo.

By pleading guilty yesterday, Halley admitted that he prescribed Subsys, a fentanyl spray manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, to a patient. Halley submitted a request to Medicare for payment coverage of the prescription, falsely stating that the patient had a diagnosis of cancer. Halley knew that the patient did not have a diagnosis of cancer at that time, and was not being treated for breakthrough cancer-related pain – two conditions that Medicare required for payment coverage of Subsys. Due to Halley’s false statement, Medicare paid a total of $11,945 to cover the prescription and subsequent Subsys prescriptions.

Halley also admitted that he conspired with others at the clinic to use his registration number so they could provide prescription medication in his absence, including Schedule II controlled substances. Halley was scheduled to only be present at the clinic in Nixa on Mondays and Thursdays. Although he was often absent on those days, he still scheduled patients for appointments. In order for the clinic to continue issuing prescriptions in Halley’s absence, he directed others at the clinic to prepare prescriptions ahead of time so that he could sign them several days before the patients’ appointments. On those days when Halley was absent, he directed others at the clinic to give the patients their prescriptions, including Schedule II controlled substances. Due to this illegal conduct, Medicare paid a total of $18,901 to cover the cost of those prescriptions.

Halley specifically admitted to conspiring with Susan Gail Morris, a nurse practitioner; Lily (Nga) Nguyen, a nurse practitioner; Amber Moeschler, a licensed practical nurse; and Kimberly Hoffer, a licensed practical nurse, to use his DEA registration number to distribute Schedule II controlled substances. Morris, Nguyen, and Moeschler have already pleaded guilty to crimes related to their conduct in this conspiracy. Co-defendant Hoffer has pleaded not guilty and is set for trial in February 2022.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Halley will pay a $92,225 fine and $44,887 in restitution to Medicare. The government may seek up to $355,678 in additional restitution to Medicare at the time of Halley’s sentencing hearing for conduct relevant to his false statement involving Subsys prescriptions. Additionally, Halley agreed to refrain from treating medical patients who may require the issuance of prescriptions for controlled substances, throughout the period of any post-sentencing supervision.

Under federal statutes, Halley is subject to a sentence of up to nine years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Springfield man dies from injuries suffered in November 20 motorcycle accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department was notified today that Dale Goben, a 52-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri, died on November 25, 2021 at a local hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash that occurred on November 20, 2021. Mr. Goben’s family members have been notified.

Springfield police were dispatched to 921 W. Sunshine at 5:40 P.M., on November 20, 2021, regarding a single-vehicle motorcycle crash. 

The initial investigation indicated a blue 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling westbound on Sunshine just west of Grant in the inside lane of traffic. Witnesses observed the driver lose control of the motorcycle after attempting to evade a vehicle that had pulled onto Sunshine from a parking lot. Mr. Goben, the motorcycle driver, sustained severe injuries and was transported to the hospital.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This motor vehicle crash marks the twenty-eighth traffic fatality in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield Police investigate homicide at 2215 S. Fremont

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 4th, 2021, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Springfield Police Officers were dispatched to 2215 S. Fremont in reference to 911 calls of shots being fired in the area. 

Officers arrived on scene and located the victim in front of the address, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

 

The victim was identified as Trevor J. Hale, a 41-year-old male and resident of Springfield, Missouri. Notifications have been made to his next of kin.

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit responded to the scene and detectives are actively investigating this crime. Anyone who may information related to incident are asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at (417) 864-1810. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (417) 869-TIPS (8477) to provide the information.

This is the twenty-fourth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Bald eagle viewing planned at Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Staff members at Roaring River State Park invite the public to watch for bald eagles along Roaring River and participate in eagle-themed activities from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.

When water sources freeze in the north, bald eagles migrate south to find food and water. With its constant flowing water and abundance of fish, Roaring River State Park is a destination eagles often visit.

This program is free and open to the public. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and snacks. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look at these magnificent birds.

The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others.

Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information about the event, call the nature center at 417-847-3742.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Ash Grove man sentenced for illegal guns stolen from neighbor

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

An Ash Grove, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing 10 firearms, three of which were stolen during his burglary of a neighbor’s house.

Jason B. Roberts, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to nine years in federal prison without parole.

On June 17, 2021, Roberts pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Roberts’s residence on April 7, 2020. They found three rifles and a jewelry box that Roberts admitted he stole during the burglary of a neighbor’s house. Officers also found seven other firearms and approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roberts has two prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, three prior felony convictions for forgery and a prior felony convictions for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Reeds Spring man killed in tractor accident

A Reeds Spring man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 12:20 p.m. today on Seaton Heights Lane, just south of the Reeds Spring city limit.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Kubota B21 tractor driven by Kenneth L. Barrow, 73, Reeds Spring, which was being used on private property, overturned ejecting Barrow.

Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced Barrow dead at the scene at 1:47 p.m.

The fatality was the 128th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

U. S. Marshals, Greene County deputies arrest fugitive wanted on weapons, drug charges

(From the U. S. Marshals Service)

U.S. Marshals and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department arrested a fugitive on Tuesday after a brief foot pursuit through a south Springfield neighborhood. 

Dereck Ray Owens faces multiple felony charges in Webster and Greene Counties, including multiple counts of weapons, drugs, and forgery.

On November 15th, the U.S. Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force joined the hunt for Owens. 

On Tuesday, U.S. Marshals and detectives from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit located Owens seated on a motorcycle near 800 S. Oak Park in Springfield. 

As they approached, Owens fled on foot with deputies in close pursuit. Deputies caught Owens a short time later without further incident. Owens is believed to be responsible for at least two stolen vehicles recovered from the scene, including the motorcycle. 

“Owens is charged with multiple weapon and drug charges stemming from a two-county crime spree in Southwest Missouri,” said Mark James, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri. “I’m thankful he was arrested without further danger to the community or our law enforcement officers.”

Springfield man shot to death, police question suspect

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On November 21, 2021, at approximately 11:35 a.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 802 E. Morningside St. due to a 911 caller stating a male had been shot at their residence during a disturbance. When officers arrived, they located a male that was suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim, identified as 38-year-old Mathew Turner, from Springfield, MO, succumbed to his injuries on scene. Notifications have been made to Mr. Turner’s family.

 

During the investigation, the Springfield Police Department identified a suspect in the case. The suspect has been interviewed; however, no arrest has been made at this time. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review and a decision regarding any criminal charges to be filed.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the 23rd homicide for 2021.

Ash Grove woman indicted for embezzling $362,000 from Springfield company

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

An Ash Grove, Missouri, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a wire fraud scheme in which she embezzled more than $362,000 from her Springfield, Mo., employer.

Carrie Leigh Long, 52, was charged in a 24-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 17. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Long’s arrest and initial court appearance.

Long was employed by Executive Coach Builders, Inc. to provide in-house accounting services to the company and to Executive Bus Builders, Inc. The companies are headquartered in Springfield but do business worldwide with factories and sales offices in Missouri and California. The companies build luxury buses, coaches, and limousines. Long was hired in April 2014.

The federal indictment alleges that Long stole at least $362,175 from the companies from February 2016 to September 2020. Long is also charged with filing false tax returns that failed to report that income, as well as failing to pay approximately $902,226 of employment taxes the companies owed to the IRS.

Long allegedly used her position as an in-house accountant for the companies, and her access to the companies’ check stock, to regularly write checks against the companies’ bank accounts for unauthorized payments to herself. The indictment also alleges that Long stole money from the companies by filling in unauthorized amounts on some pre-signed checks and making such checks payable to herself. Long also allegedly stole money from the companies by forging signatures on the companies’ checks, filling in unauthorized amounts on the checks, and making such checks payable to herself.

As part of the scheme, the indictment says, Long did not claim the unauthorized payments as personal income on her individual income tax returns from 2016 through 2020.

Beginning in April 2019, Long allegedly ceased to make regular payments to IRS for the employment taxes the companies owed the IRS. Long concealed her actions from company officials, the indictment says, by altering the companies’ bank account statements and misrepresenting on her financial reports that the payments had been made. Long caused the companies to fail to pay over to the IRS approximately $902,226 of taxes owed to the IRS for two quarters of 2019 and one quarter of 2020.

When an agent from the Internal Revenue Service attempted to collect those delinquent tax payments, the indictment says, Long falsely claimed they had been paid and provided altered bank account statements.

The federal indictment charges Long with 17 counts of wire fraud, six counts of failure to pay employment taxes, one count of obstructing the administration of internal revenue laws, and five counts of filing a false tax return.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kempf. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Aurora man sentenced to 15 years on illegal firearms charge

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

An Aurora, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase from Bolivar, Mo., to Springfield, Mo.

Milton W. Sparks, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 15, 2021, Sparks pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Sparks admitted that he was in possession of a Ruger 9mm handgun on Dec. 20, 2017. Law enforcement officers attempted to stop Sparks, who was driving a stolen Dodge Challenger. Sparks fled from officers at speeds up to 128 miles per hour. 

At one point, Sparks changed into the right lane of Highway 13 and cut off a dump truck. The right rear tire of the Charger exploded, but Sparks continued driving at about 100 miles per hour. Sparks fled from Bolivar, Mo., to a residential neighborhood in Springfield, Mo., despite officers deploying two tire deflation devices. 

After running numerous red lights, the Charger driven by Sparks struck the driver’s side of a Chevrolet pickup. Sparks continued driving about 12 more minutes, when he jumped out of the vehicle while it was still running, and began running on foot between houses. Sparks was found hiding under a porch and was arrested. Officers later found the handgun, with a loaded magazine, on the side of the highway where Sparks had thrown it during the pursuit.

Sparks also admitted that he was in possession of a Llama .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol on March 1, 2017. An employee of the Quality Inn in Springfield alerted the police about a noticeable amount of traffic coming and going from the room rented by Sparks, which is consistent with drug activity. 

According to court documents, the room’s toilet was flushed multiple times while police were outside the room and a police canine detected the scent of drugs near the toilet, indicating that a large amount of drugs was likely flushed during the delay in opening the door. Sparks jumped from a second-floor window of the room and attempted to flee. However, he landed near two police officers, who detained him. Sparks had $1,203 and two cell phones in his possession. When officers searched the hotel room, they found another $3,049, trace amounts of methamphetamine, and the loaded pistol hidden behind the removable panels around a Jacuzzi tub.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Sparks has prior felony convictions for assault (in which he struck another man and knocked out his two front teeth), assault on a law enforcement officer (in which he struck a police vehicle while trying to flee in a stolen vehicle, and injured two officers), and involuntary manslaughter.

According to court documents, the involuntary manslaughter conviction resulted from an incident on Aug. 22, 2010. Police officers responded to a report of an unknown male who had forced entry into a home. Investigators eventually determined the man had come to the home looking for someone and forced his way inside. Sparks admitted to causing the man’s death by punching him while another person restrained him in a chokehold.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine L. Stockard and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Bolivar man killed crashing into tree

A Bolivar man was killed in a one-vehicle crash 7 a.m. Friday on 455th Road, four miles east of Bolivar.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 GMC Sierra driven by Dennis W. Inglis, 52, Bolivar, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Polk County Coroner Jeff Witt pronounced Inglis dead at 7:41 a.m.

The fatality was the 121st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Seligman man killed in crash near Cassville

A Seligman man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 9:30 a.m. Friday on Route F, six miles southeast of Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by Bradley M. Hufford, 41, Seligman, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a rock bluff causing the vehicle to overturn.

Hufford was pronounced dead by Dr. Lewis at Mercy Hospital at 11:13 a.m.

The fatality was the 122nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Lebanon man shot to death by Springfield officers after shooting Greene County park ranger

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On November 11, 2021, at approximately 9:39 p.m., Springfield Police Officers were dispatched to Downing Street Pour House located at 1724 E. Battlefield for a check a person call. 

A male subject at the location was reported to be intoxicated and causing a disturbance. The male left the location when 911 was called. Information was provided to 911 that the male ran to the east side of Barnes & Noble located at 3055 S. Glenstone, and a witness reported the male was armed with a handgun.

Officers observed the male hiding in some bushes on the southeast corner of Barnes & Noble. Officers began forming a perimeter around the business in preparation to contact the male. A Springfield-Greene County Park Ranger responded to the call to assist. 

The Park Ranger drove to the east side of the business where the male fired multiple gunshots at the Park Ranger. The Park Ranger was struck by several bullets. 

Springfield Police Officers who were positioned on the south side of the business observed the shots being fired. Two Springfield Police Officers returned fire and shot the suspect. The Park Ranger was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening. The male suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased male was identified as Seth S. Rynio, a 21-year-old male from Lebanon, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made to Rynio’s family.

Both Springfield Police Department Officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review and determination of any criminal charges.

Springfield-Greene County Park Rangers are law enforcement officers, commissioned through the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and dispatched through Springfield-Greene County 9-1-1. Park Rangers have jurisdiction in both the city and county, not limited to parks. While on patrol, rangers often provide backup to officers with Springfield Police, Greene County Sheriff, area School Resource Officers, Springfield Airport Police and other agencies within Greene County.

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the 22nd homicide for 2021.

Springfield Police searching for assault suspect last seen wearing navy blue sports bra and pink floral leggings

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On November 8th, 2021, at 5:41 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of E. Meadowmere for the report of a female being assaulted. 

When officers arrived, they contacted the female victim who had sustained facial injuries. The victim stated she had been assaulted by an unknown female who then left the area. The victim was treated on scene by medical personnel for her injuries.

 

The victim described the suspect as a white female in her late 20’s or early 30’s, approximately 5’6” tall, with a skinny or athletic build, and wearing a navy-blue sports bra and pink floral leggings. The victim also provided information about a vehicle that may have been involved in the assault. 

Detectives have obtained surveillance video that does show a sport utility type vehicle in the area at the time of the assault. The involvement of the vehicle is being investigated and detectives would like to contact the driver or owner. The vehicle appears to be similar to a tan colored Chevrolet Suburban.

On the same day at 5:44 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. Pickwick for a disturbance call. This location is in close proximity to the location of the assault, and it was determined that this disturbance occurred prior to the assault. 

Officers contacted the 911 caller who stated he had been involved in a verbal disturbance with a female. The 911 caller and the female are known to each other due to a past relationship. Detectives believe that the female involved in this disturbance was the same female who then attacked the victim. While the motive for the assault is still being investigated, it is likely the female suspect was looking for a different person when she attacked the victim.

SPD Officers have been actively looking for the suspect.

Detectives continue to investigate the assault and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Stockton man killed in fiery crash

A Stockton man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 7:44 a.m. Wednesday on Route J, seven miles north of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Kenworth T800 truck driven by Clayton M. Hibbard, 57, Stockton, ran off the roadway, struck a fence, utility pole and several trees and caught fire.

Cedar County Coroner Frank Brumfield pronounced Hibbard dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 118th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield woman killed in head-on collision on West Bypass

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 31, 2021 at 8:10 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to 2200 South West Bypass regarding two motor vehicles involved in a head-on collision.

The initial investigation indicated a 2016 Chevy Silverado was being driven northbound on West Bypass when it crossed over the median and struck a southbound 2018 Honda Passport head-on. The passenger in the Honda Passport died at the scene of the crash. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.

The deceased passenger was identified as Linda J. Ward, a 72-year-old female from Springfield, Mo. Family members of the deceased have been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This motor vehicle crash marks the 27th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years on child pornography charge

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Missouri, man who downloaded thousands of images and videos of child pornography was sentenced in federal court today.

Nicholas Goins, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Goins to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration and ordered Goins to pay $24,000 in restitution to his victims. Goins will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On March 3, 2020, Goins pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. He has been in federal custody since December 2019.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Goins’s residence on March 7, 2019. Officers seized multiple digital storage devices, which contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography. A forensic examination discovered messaging sessions with other individuals in which they shared child pornography. Goins actively encouraged such exchanges. One of the participants posted imagery of himself sexually abusing a 4-year-old child victim, for which he was charged in another district.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the FBI.

Springfield woman dies from injuries suffered in October 8 accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 19, 2021, 40-year-old Catherine Williams from Springfield, MO, died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash early this month.

On Oct. 8, 2021, at 6:13 a.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Fort and Sunshine regarding a two-vehicle crash.

 

The initial investigation indicates a 2019 Nissan Murano was northbound on Fort approaching the intersection with Sunshine. A 2009 Ford Focus, driven by Ms. Williams, was southbound on Fort and began a turn east on Sunshine. A collision occurred between the two vehicles that resulted in both drivers being transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

We have been in contact with Ms. Williams’ family and they have been notified of her passing.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This motor vehicle crash marks the 24th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield Police investigating Applebee's parking lot assault as homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Sept. 1, 2021, at approximately 9:45 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to the Applebee’s parking lot at 2430 N. Glenstone Ave. due to a 911 caller stating a subject had been assaulted.

 

When officers arrived, they located a male who had suffered injuries from an assault. The male was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

 

The victim, identified as 64-year-old Ronald Himmelberg from Springfield, MO, succumbed to his injuries on Set.12, 2021. Notifications were made to Mr. Himmelberg’s family and due to the circumstances surrounding his death, details of the case were kept confidential until the suspect could be located by SPD’s Violent Crimes Unit.

The case is currently being reviewed by the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the 20th homicide for 2021.

Springfield man killed by police during hostage-taking incident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct.17, 2021, at 1:10 p.m., a Springfield Police Officer was at the Kum N Go at 215 S. Kansas Expressway when the officer observed a wanted suspect walking on the sidewalk in front of the business. 

When the officer approached the suspect and attempted to contact him, the male refused to comply with commands and ran from the officer. 

During the foot pursuit, the suspect displayed a handgun and fired shots at the officer. The officer returned fire at the suspect, but it is not believed that the suspect was struck. A bullet penetrated the material of officer’s uniform, however the officer was not struck by a projectile and did not require any medical attention. The suspect continued to flee by running west from the location and officers lost sight of him.

 

At approximately 1:14 p.m., the Springfield Police Department received a 911 call from a female stating a male, armed with a gun, entered her residence at 1800 W. Elm. 

While officers were arriving on scene, the female caller was able to exit the residence with her child. A male resident was still inside the house being held hostage by the armed suspect. Officers set up a perimeter around the residence and started negotiations with the suspect while members of the SPD Special Response Team forced entry into the residence. 

Officers observed the male suspect and hostage engaged in a struggle over the firearm. An officer then fired shots at the suspect striking him several times causing him to drop his weapon and freeing the hostage. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for gunshot wounds where he later succumbed to his injuries. The hostage and officers were not injured during this incident.

The deceased male was identified as Douglas J. Knakmuhs, a 40-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made to Knakmuhs’ family.

Both officers involved in the shootings have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal and concurrent criminal investigation. This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the nineteenth homicide for 2021.