Springfield teen killed in motorcycle crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 30, 2023, at 3:08 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash near Chestnut Expressway and Glenstone Avenue.

A green 2005 Yamaha motorcycle, driven by 18-year-old Deverin King, of Springfield, was southbound on Glenstone Ave. An orange 2004 Ford Explorer Sport driven by Villalobos Chico, 50, of Springfield, was eastbound out of the private parking lot at 625 N. Glenstone. As the Ford Explorer Sport crossed the southbound lanes of Glenstone, it was struck by the Yamaha motorcycle.

 

Lifesaving measures were attempted, but King was pronounced deceased on scene. King’s family has been notified.

The circumstances involved in the crash remain under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident can call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This is Springfield’s 10th traffic fatality in 2023.

City of Springfield completes purchase of Hammons Field

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield is now officially the new owner of Hammons Field, following the final steps that included approval by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Kansas at Kansas City judge and the closing on the property. 

The combination $12 million purchase agreement includes the stadium and a parking lot directly across Trafficway south of the stadium and the one to the west of the stadium, not currently marked for parking. Unrestricted savings from the General Fund and monies earmarked for “Economic Vitality” from the Level Property Tax Fund are being used to fund the investment. The former owner of the stadium was The John Q. Hammons Charitable Trust.

 

The City is partnering with the Springfield Cardinals to celebrate this milestone by opening up the stadium for the community to watch the St. Louis Cardinals home opener on the stadium screen. The Cardinals take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 3:10 p.m. March 30. Admission to Hammons Field will be free.

“We have the Double-A franchise of the most popular Major League team in the Midwest,” said Springfield Mayor Ken McClure. “They add a vibrancy, excitement and level of entertainment as well as foster a great degree of community pride. Having a major league club own its minor league affiliate is very rare. We plan to be the home to the Springfield Cardinals for generations to come.”

“The St. Louis Cardinals have long enjoyed a strong relationship with the Springfield community, and we look forward to continuing it for many years to come,” stated Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “The Cardinals organization shares a special connection with Springfield and Southwest Missouri, and we cherish the enthusiastic support you have provided our team and players for nearly two decades.”

Hammons Field is also home to the Missouri State University Baseball Bears, who played their first game in 2004 in the opening day of Hammons Field. Hammons Field has hosted five Missouri Valley Conference Tournaments and the 2015 NCAA Division I Regional (won by Missouri State). Missouri State will continue to play its home games at Hammons Field under the provisions of their license.

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The lease agreement with the Cardinals has been structured to ensure the stadium is paying for itself and for the improvements and maintenance required by Major League Baseball. Part of the team’s rent will be split between operating and capital funds. The Cardinals have an incentive to keep costs low, because any revenue left over at the end of the year goes into a fund for capital improvements. The City will create an initial $4 million capital improvement fund to make the immediate Major League Baseball mandated improvements that address player health and safety and spectator experience. After that, the agreement is expected to cover the operation costs and for future improvements and maintenance.

What is the deal?

Stadium and parking lots - $12 million

Commitment to bring stadium up to MLB standards, enhance spectator experience - $4 million

Keeping the Springfield Cardinals in Springfield – Priceless

Birthplace of Route 66 Festival organizers announce 2023 lineup

 (From the City of Springfield)

Ozarkers will have the chance to share their talent by competing in the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival’s inaugural “Great Route 66 Talent Competition.” The new competition could provide winners a “fast pass” to national television show “America’s Got Talent.”

Leading up to the Aug. 10-12 festival, singers, dancers and anyone at least 18 years old with a talent to share are encouraged to submit videos showcasing their talent to KY3.com be voted on by KY3.com viewers. Finalists will compete live at the festival, Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Park Central Stage.

Birthplace of Route 66 Festival organizers the City of Springfield, Aaron Sachs & Associates, KY3/KSPR/CW, Downtown Springfield Association and West Central Neighborhood Alliance announced the lineup for the 2023 festival in a news conference Tuesday, March 28 at the Shrine Mosque.

The 2023 festival will take place Aug. 10-12 and will kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Aaron Sachs Stage in Motorcycle Village (Jefferson Avenue and McDaniel Street) with the free Rockin’ the Route 66 Kickoff Concert. The opening act goes on at 6 p.m. and the headliner will take the stage at 8 p.m. The car and motorcycle shows will be Aug. 11 and 12.

Registration links for Friday and Saturday’s car show, the Charity Bike Show and the Gypsy Tour Poker Run to benefit the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be live Wednesday at route66festivalsgf.com.

The Mother Roadster Foundation will raffle off a custom-built 1932 Ford Roadster pickup truck. This is the fifth Mother Roadster the foundation has raffled off, with proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Discovery Center of Springfield is raffling off a 1969 Cadillac Fleetwood at the festival. Links to purchase tickets for both raffles are available at route66festivalsgf.com. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100.

A full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Friday parade starting at 6 p.m. at Grant Avenue and College Street traveling east through Park Central Square to St. Louis Street and dispersing at National Avenue. Join us for a pre-parade party at the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park at 4:30 p.m.

The Women’s World Expo at the Shrine will be back this year, along with the Authors, Artists, Collectors & Associations expo at The Old Glass Place. Make sure to stop by History Museum on the Square and tour the Birthplace of Route 66 Gallery.

Concerts begin Friday evening at the Aaron Sachs Motorcycle Village Stage at 7 p.m. with Machine Gun Symphony and Sixwire.

New this year will be the Great Route 66 Talent Competition at the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks/KY3 Stage at Park Central Square on Saturday afternoon, and a cornhole tournament at the Expo Center in partnership with Springfield Cornhole.

Saturday’s concerts kick off at 1:15 p.m. at the Aaron Sachs Stage in Motorcycle Village with Nathan Bryce and the Loaded Dice and continue through the day with Red Light Runner, Damsel, Dirty Saints and closing with Sixwire taking the stage at 9 p.m.

Food and merchandise vendors interested in having a presence at the festival should email masterfuleventsmo@gmail.com.

Driver killed in four-vehicle crash in Springfield

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 6, 2023, at 2:32 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and West Bypass involving multiple vehicles.

Beverly Delcour, 78, from Iowa City, Iowa, was driving a 2015 Ford Fusion southbound on West Bypass near Mt. Vernon. Delcour entered the intersection on a red light and hit an eastbound 2014 Chevrolet Express Van. 

The collision redirected Delcour’s vehicle into the northbound lanes where it hit two northbound vehicles stopped at the red light.

Delcour was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. No other persons were injured.

On March 27, 2023, Delcour died from injuries sustained in this crash. Delcour’s family was notified of her death.


This is Springfield’s ninth traffic fatality in 2023.

Police respond to shooting hoax at Branson High School

 

(From the Branson Police Department)

The Branson Police Department responded to Branson High School for a hoax call of a shooting at approximately 2 pm today. Our team has cleared the building with no credible threat located upon securing and searching the school.

We would like to thank our partners at Branson Public Schools who work in conjunction with BPD to provide education and safety to our community's children.

Unfounded "swatting" calls regarding school shootings have been occurring at schools across the country. "Swatting" is a recent trend where fake threats are called into school with the intent to create panic.
As always, if you see suspicious activity or feel unsafe, call 911.

Kimberling City man killed in motorcycle crash

A Kimberling City man was killed as a result of injuries suffered in a one-vehicle crash 6 p.m. Sunday on Joe Bald Park Road two miles south of Kimberling City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic driven by Timothy E. King, 47, Kimberling City, overturned off the right side of the road, ejecting King.

Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced King dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 18th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

14-year-old Bolivar driver suffers serious injuries in rollover crash

 A Bolivar teen was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:50 p.m. Friday on County Road 181 three miles south of Pittsburg, MO.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 14-year-old Bolivar boy driving a 2015 Honda Pioneer lost control of it and the vehicle overturned.

The boy was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Greene County Prosecutor: Officer-involved shooting was justified

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson ruled on March 8, 2023, that the use of deadly force by four Springfield Police officers against Justin Barker on Feb. 1, 2023, was justified.

The four involved officers are no longer on administrative leave and have been released to active duty.

Previous information release:

On Feb. 1, 2023, at 1:46 p.m., Springfield Police officers were sent to Tom Watkins Park at 2100 W. High St. to check the well-being of a male who was making suicidal statements. 

When the officers arrived, they contacted the man in the middle of the park. While officers were talking with him, he said he had a gun and proceeded to draw a handgun from his waistband. 

The officers immediately ordered him to drop the gun, but he failed to comply and instead pointed the handgun toward them. The officers fired their handguns at the man, striking him several times. The officers immediately took him into custody and performed life-saving measures while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. However, he did not survive.

The deceased male has been identified as Justin M. Barker, 33, from Springfield. Barker’s family has been notified.

The four officers involved in the shooting incident have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The results of a concurrent criminal investigation will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Exeter man killed, two others injured in collision near Monett

One person was killed and two injured in a two-vehicle collision 5:54 p.m Thursday at the intersection of Farm Road 2030 and Farm Road 1090 one mile south of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 GMC Denali driven by a 16-year-old Purdy boy and a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Mary A. Nelson, 70, Exeter.

A passenger in the Nelson vehicle, Jimmy J. Nelson, 73, Exeter, was pronounced dead by Dr. Draper at Mercy Springfield at 10:28 p.m.

Nelson and another passenger in her vehicle, Jimmy J. Nelson Jr., 52, Exeter, were treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Hit-and-run driver kills Springfield pedestrian

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 6, 2023, at 8:33 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the 2700 block of N. Kansas Expressway.

The pedestrian, 42-year-old Donna Campbell of Springfield, was crossing westbound across Kansas Expressway near the McDonald Access Road in the crosswalk when a northbound dark-colored pickup truck hit Campbell.

The truck left the scene northbound on Kansas Expressway. Campbell was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the truck has not yet been identified.

On March 21, 2023, Campbell succumbed to her injuries from the accident. Campbell’s family has been notified.

The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with any information about the crash, the suspect vehicle, or the unidentified driver, is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810. You may also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 417 869-TIPS (8477)


This is Springfield’s eighth traffic fatality in 2023.

Aurora man pleads guilty to meth conspiracy, illegal firearm

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

An Aurora, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Barry County, Mo.

Brian E. Hall, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

By pleading guilty today, Hall admitted he participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from various members of the drug-trafficking organization, including Hall. Hall admitted that he was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the southwest Missouri region. Hall also admitted he has traveled to Arizona and Oklahoma numerous times to purchase 20 to 50 pounds of methamphetamine at a time and bring it back to Missouri.

A confidential informant assisted in the controlled buy of 413 grams (approximately one pound) of methamphetamine from Hall on June 16, 2021, for $1,400. A confidential informant assisted in the controlled buy of 431.27 grams of methamphetamine from Hall on June 22, 2021, for $3,500.

Investigators also interviewed a property owner who was involved in an owner-financed sale of a house and storage units to Hall for $10,000 per month, paid in cash. The property owner was aware that Hall sold methamphetamine and did not have legitimate income to purchase the properties. Hall met the property owner in February and in March 2022 to make the $10,000 payments, which were relinquished to the government.

On April 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence. Officers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was found underneath Hall’s bed, approximately $57,000 in cash found inside a safe, and drug paraphernalia used for the packaging and sale of methamphetamine. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Hall must forfeit the $57,000 to the government.

Hall told investigators he was expecting a large delivery of methamphetamine that evening, and that he planned to give the courier the $57,000. At approximately 10 p.m., a black Toyota Camry arrived at Hall’s residence. The driver and a passenger were immediately arrested, and officers seized approximately 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of methamphetamine.

Under federal statutes, Hall is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Combined Ozark Multi-jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Crane man suffers serious injuries in accident near Aurora

A Crane man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9:29 a.m. today on Route T four miles south of Aurora.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1989 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jack G. Chapman, 56, Crane, ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned.

Chapman was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Seligman woman flown to Mercy Springfield following crash on 37

A Seligman woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:08 a.m. today on MO 37 one mile north of Washburn.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet pickup driven by Deborah A. Hendicks, 52, Seligman, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a pillar.

Hendricks was flown to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

El Dorado Springs man killed, two Arkansas residents flown to Cox South after collision on 82

One person was killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle collision 8:14 p.m. Saturday on MO 82 three miles northeast of El Dorado Springs.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 SAAB 93 driven by Eric Bote, 40, El Dorado Springs, crossed the center line and collided with a 1992 Dodge Ram van driven by Sarah Nickerson, 48, Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

St. Clair County Deputy Coroner Michael Watson pronounced Bote dead at the scene at 9:21 p.m.

Nickerson and a passenger in her vehicle, Ryan M. Bradburn, 44, Prairie Grove, were airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

The fatality was the 14th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Humansville man killed in rollover crash, wife airlifted to Cox South

One person was killed and another injured in a one-vehicle crash 9:45 a.m. today on Route J two miles north of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Larry L. Teer, 54, Humansville, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting Teer, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Cedar County Deputy Coroner Joe Trussell.

A passenger, Leona M. Teer, 55, Humansville, was flown to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

The fatality was the 13th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield Police Department graduating 18 recruits from academy

(From Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department will graduate 18 police recruits from the 76th Police Academy tomorrow, March 17, at 7 p.m., at East Sunshine Church of Christ, 3721 E. Sunshine St.

The Springfield Police Academy includes 1,110 hours of intense law enforcement training, over 27 weeks, which this class of recruits began in September, 2022. After graduation, recruits are assigned to an experienced field-training officer (FTO) for the next 13 weeks for an additional 520 hours of on-the-job training. Once they complete the FTO program, the new officers are assigned to solo patrol duties in the Uniform Operations Bureau.

 

The graduates of the 76th academy include 15 men and three women with a variety of educational backgrounds and work experience, including the military, law enforcement and the fire service.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on CityView and on the Springfield Police Department’s Facebook beginning at 7 p.m.

Aurora schools placed on lockdown during pursuit of suspect

(From Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

This morning, AMPD assisted the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending a wanted subject in the area of Edgewood drive and Chicory in Aurora. The wanted person had barricaded themselves in a house and information lead us to believe he may have been armed. 

The Aurora-Marionville Special Response Team was requested, but the suspect surrendered prior to a tactical operation being performed and was subsequently arrested. No one was hurt during this incident.

As a precaution, we requested the schools near the area to be placed on a soft lockdown. This was precautionary only because we wanted to control movement and assure safety in the area in case we needed to take more aggressive action to apprehend this subject. There was never a direct threat to the schools and no incident took place within the schools or on school property.

As always, we appreciate the cooperation we receive from our school district and thank everyone for their patience while we do our work.

 
As a result of this operation, Kelby Tettenhorst was taken into custody and transported to jail by our partners with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

Springfield, Kirbyville business owners plead guilty to tampering with emissions controls to boost profits

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

The owner of a Kirbyville, Mo., towing company, and the owner of a Springfield, Mo., business have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a conspiracy to illegally tamper with the emissions controls of the company’s diesel towing vehicles.

Dennis Cleveland, 73, of Kirbyville, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Thursday, March 9, to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and one count of tampering with a Clean Air Act monitoring device.

Robert Dyche, 67, of Springfield, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty on Monday, March 13, to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act.

Cleveland is the owner of Affordable Towing, a roadside, recovery, hauling, and mobile repair provider for commercial and private automobiles and vehicles throughout southwest Missouri. Affordable Towing utilized heavy-duty, commercial diesel trucks to tow and haul away vehicles to repair facilities.

By pleading guilty, Cleveland admitted that, since 2011, he has directed his employees to physically disable emissions control components on multiple heavy-duty diesel tow trucks.

Cleveland conspired with Dyche, the owner and operator of Full Flash Tuning, which specializes in illegally tampering with the on-board diagnostic systems on these vehicles. Cleveland caused the Affordable Towing trucks to be tampered with to save money by avoiding maintenance expenses on emissions control systems and by spending less money on fuel.

This tampering is frequently referred to as “tuning” or “flashing” an on-board diagnostic system. One purpose for “tuning” is to allow the vehicles to continue to seemingly operate normally while the emissions control system is disabled, rather than forcing the vehicle’s engine into a state known as “limp mode,” which greatly limits the maximum speed of the vehicle, incentivizing the driver or owner to repair the malfunction. The use of “tuning” thereby serves to reduce the high costs associated with maintaining or repairing components of the emissions control systems on heavy-duty diesel trucks.

As a consequence of “tuning,” tampered vehicles spew substantially more deleterious pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (Nox), carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and particulate matter (PM) into the air, presenting a risk to the environment and public health.

Cleveland, through Affordable Towing, contracted with Dyche on multiple occasions to “tune” or “flash” the emissions control systems of Affordable Towing vehicles, thereby causing multiple fleet vehicles to be altered in such a way that the vehicles released pollutants into the air that far exceeded the legally allowable amounts under the Clean Air Act. Each diesel truck would continue to operate normally, as if the vehicle were operating in accord with existing Clean Air Act restrictions, rather than go into limp mode.

In addition to personally tuning Affordable Towing vehicles, Dyche, on multiple occasions, would take the vehicles to an unidentified entity in Rogersville, Mo., to “tune” the vehicles, for which he was compensated by Affordable Towing.

Under federal statutes, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of up to seven years in federal prison without parole Dyche is subject to a sentence of up to five 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.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. They were investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Springfield sex offender sentenced on child pornography charges

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Rodney Shawn Henry, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Henry to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration, and ordered Henry to pay $48,000 in restitution to the identified victims. 

Henry 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 Aug. 16, 2022, Henry pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Henry was a registered sex offender prior to this federal case due to his conviction for sexually abusing a 9-year-old child.

Springfield police officers arrested Henry on Jan. 21, 2019, for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements by not reporting his home address. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Henry’s residence the next day and seized his cell phone and digital storage devices. A forensic investigation of the cell phone and digital storage devices resulted in the discovery of well over 100,000 videos and images of child pornography. The images included children as young as toddlers being sexually brutalized.

Prior to Henry’s arrest, investigators had received a Cybertip Report after Dropbox, Inc., discovered images of child pornography that Henry had uploaded to his account.

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

Marshfield man sentenced on meth trafficking, weapons charges

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

A Marshfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Kyle R. Evans, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

On May 23, 2022, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On June 18, 2017, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy saw Evans driving a motorcycle northbound on West Bypass near the intersection with Nichols Street. Evans was speeding and driving erratically, and the deputy followed him from a distance. Nichols turned the corner from Eldon Street onto Nichols Street at a high rate of speed and slid into a Ford pickup truck. The deputy saw a Glock firearm lying on the road near where Evans was laying. The deputy detained Evans and searched him. Evans had $1,000 in one pocket, $633 in another pocket, and a nylon pistol holder tucked into his front waistband. Officers also found a motorcycle bag in the crash debris that contained several baggies with a total of five grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Evans has prior felony convictions for domestic assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer, possessing a chemical with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, distributing a controlled substance, assault, armed criminal action, tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness in a felony prosecution.

According to court documents, Evans fled from law enforcement officers on Aug. 24, 2017, and left a firearm in the vehicle he had been driving. On Sept. 27, 2017, he again fled from officers in a high-speed chase. His vehicle was later found in a field with a firearm between the center console and passenger seat.

On Nov. 16, 2017, Evans shot a victim identified as “K.B.” while stealing his motorcycle. According to court documents, Evans conspired to tamper with a witness while he was in custody after being arrested. Evans was convicted of the shooting and motorcycle theft in Greene County, Mo., and sentenced to 20 years in state prison. He is currently incarcerated in that case and will serve his state sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case.

Evans is also serving a 15-year state sentence after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance in Webster County, Mo., and also will serve that sentence concurrently to the sentence in this federal case.

During his time in state prison, according to court documents, Evans joined a violent prison gang, the Southwest Honkys. During a drug investigation involving members of the Honkys in 2017, Evans was caught on a wire threatening to harm an individual he believed had cooperated with police.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield man arrested following shooting at Git N Go

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Mar. 12, 2023, at approximately 6:17 p.m., Springfield Police officers responded to the Git N Go convenience store located at 3030 S. Jefferson in reference to 911 calls reporting multiple gunshots fired. Officers arrived on the scene and learned the involved parties had left the scene.

A short time later, officers were sent to the hospital due to a male victim arriving with a gunshot wound. Officers contacted the victim, who reported he had a verbal argument with a male subject in the parking lot of the Git N Go. 

The victim stated the suspect entered the store after the argument. The suspect then exited the store, pointing a handgun at the victim, and fired multiple rounds striking the victim once in his chest. The victim’s injuries are considered serious, but he is in stable condition.

The Springfield Police Department Violent Crimes Unit identified Tavian Cannon, a 23-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri as the suspect. On Mar. 13, 2023, members of the Springfield Police Department Special Investigation Section arrested Cannon, and he was booked into the Greene County Jail.

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. On Mar. 14, 2023, Tavian Cannon was charged with 1st Degree Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. He is being held on a $250,000.00 bond.

The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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

City of Springfield mourns passing of Dr. John Bentley

(From the City of Springfield)

Mayor Ken McClure and the City of Springfield mourn the loss of John D. Bentley, M.D., a physician, humanitarian and friend. “Dr. Bentley offered a lifetime of service to others and changed the Springfield community for the better,” said Mayor McClure. “He saved many lives, and for others who knew him – he made their lives better.”

Dr. Bentley served 35 years in private practice in Springfield as a cardiologist/internist. In 1985, he began spending many additional volunteer hours each week as the founding Medical Director of the Kitchen Clinic, serving the homeless and poor alongside Sister Lorraine Biebel. 

In 2003 he helped establish and find funding for the Jordan Valley Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center serving the Ozarks’ medically underprivileged population. He served there as Medical Director and family practitioner for two decades, continuing to treat patients into his 80s.

“John Bentley’s legacy will live on in this community forever,” McClure concluded. “Springfield is a better place because of Dr. Bentley.”

Springfield Police Department makes four DWI arrests, 117 traffic stops during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 11, 2023, officers with the Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a DWI Saturation Patrol. Officers utilized marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving.

As a result of this operation, there were 119 traffic stops, 45 citations, 99 Warnings, four DWI arrests, one misdemeanor warrant arrest, one felony drug arrest, and one felony arrest for resisting by fleeing.

The Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will conduct joint operations such as this periodically to ensure the motoring public's safety.

Springfield man killed in crash at Republic Road and National

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 8, 2023, at 5:01 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the area of Republic Road and National regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A red 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Christopher Coburn (51 of Springfield), was westbound on Republic Road when the vehicle swerved to the left and ran off the south side of the street.

 

The vehicle struck a culvert constructed of landscaping blocks and came to rest. Coburn was transported to an area hospital by ambulance, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The family of Mr. Coburn has been notified.

Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. This was the 7th fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2023.

Monett Police searching for missing man

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is seeking information on Sammie King. He has been reported missing, and we are trying to locate him. 

If you have seen Sammie since 3-4-2023 or know his whereabouts, please contact the Monett Police Department at 417-235-4241.

Branson Police offer update on discovery of human skeletal remains

(From the Branson Police Department)

On 02/23/2023, Branson Police responded to the area of Violyn Drive in reference to possible skeletal remains. The Taney County Coroner's Office responded and took custody of the remains.

The remains have been confirmed to be human remains. Efforts to identify the individual so far have been unsuccessful. 

The Taney County Coroner's Office and Branson Police Department are seeking your help in identifying the individual. The Coroner’s Office is currently exploring other avenues for a more detailed description of the deceased.

So far, we believe the individual description to be: A white, possibly Native American, male approximately 40-50 years of age with light brown hair. The deceased did not have teeth, and may have worn dentures. He was wearing a Baylor University t-shirt and had a plastic bracelet with LENS written on it.

If you have any information on the possible identification of the individual, please call our Crime Tip Hotline at 417-334-1085 or fill out our Crime Tip form at www.bransonmo.gov/crimetip

Springfield Police investigate stabbing, assault

 

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Wednesday evening, officers responded to the 1700 block of west Olive Street for a reported stabbing. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered the victim had a non-life threatening stab wound. According to a witness, the suspect, Meranda Doll, 29, stabbed the victim because he was being belligerent. Meranda was arrested for 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. Charges Pending
On early Friday morning, officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of east Raynell Court regarding a male suspect, Johnathan Probst, 36, assaulting three female victims. When officers arrived on scene, they observed Probst assaulting the victims. Probst was immediately detained in handcuffs and arrested for 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. Charges Pending

 
On Saturday night, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of east Page regarding a stabbing. When officers arrived at the residence, they located the victim with a stab wound and provided first aid to stop the bleed. Officers located the suspect, Bernice Whitfield, 56, in the residence separate from the suspect. Bernice was arrested for 1st Degree Domestic Assault. Charges Filed

Lane reductions planned on I-44 bridges at Freistatt Branch

(From MODOT)

Lane Reductions on I-44 Bridges at Freistatt Branch Beginning Week of March 15 for Rehabilitation

I-44 traffic over Freistatt Branch west of Mt. Vernon near Mile Marker 41 in Lawrence County will be reduced to one lane in each direction for up to 90 days when contractor crews begin work to rehabilitate the bridges beginning the week of March 15, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Crews will make repairs to the bridge deck/driving surface and lay a new concrete surface. In addition, the contractor will add new approach pavement, new permanent striping and make substructure repairs.

These bridges were built in 1963 as two of the bridges built during the original construction of I-44 through Lawrence County. Approximately 30,600 vehicles cross these bridges daily.

Traffic Impacts

I-44 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction near Mile Marker 41 for up to 90 days

Drivers should expect slowed traffic, traffic delays

Crews and large equipment near traffic

Speed limit will be reduced to 60 mph through work zone

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

This work is part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. Of the 25 bridges in the project, known as the I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle, seven (7) are mainline I-44 bridges, five (5) are I-44 overpass bridges and the remaining bridges are on adjacent routes over various features. Sixteen (16) bridges will be replaced and nine (9) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work.

More information about this project can be found on the project website – I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle.

Project Details

Prime Contractor – The ESS TeamEmery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Columbia
Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. – St. Louis
Total Project Cost: $43.2 million
Contract Completion Date: September 30, 2024

The ESS Team is a partnership of engineering and construction firms that will design and construct the project with oversight by MoDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

Arrest made in murder of Springfield woman

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 7, 2023, at approximately 3:29 a.m., Springfield police officers were dispatched to 206 S. Clifton Ave. after a 911 caller advised that a female at that location was unconscious and not breathing. 

Officers and EMS responded and provided medical aid, but she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

 

The female was identified as Crystal M. Dye, 41, from Springfield. Dye’s family has been notified.

An autopsy was performed, and the medical examiner discovered Dye had sustained serious internal injuries that were consistent with an assault.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit identified the suspect as Jerome Poole, a 59-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri. Poole was located, arrested, and booked into the Greene County Jail for second degree murder.

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Jerome Poole has been charged with second degree murder. He is being held without bond. The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or to make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This incident marks the second homicide investigation for 2023.

Traffic shifts, lane closures expected on James River Freeway

(From MODOT)

MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: U.S. Route 60 (James River Freeway) Narrow Lanes, Traffic Shifts
& Nighttime Lane Closures In Springfield Beginning Week of March 20

Where: Narrowed lanes, traffic shifts and nighttime lane closures on U.S. Route 60 (James River Freeway) between National Avenue and Campbell Avenue in Springfield

When: Beginning the week of March 20

What: Contractor crews are moving dirt and installing storm sewar pipes in the median. This is part of the U.S. ROUTE 60 (James River Freeway) Widening Project Between National Avenue & Kansas Expressway.

Traffic Impacts

Narrowed lanes and traffic shifts on Route 60 between National Avenue and Campbell Avenue in Springfield

Nighttime lane closures on Route 60 between National Avenue and Campbell Avenue

Drivers should not pass in the work zone due to narrowed driving lanes on Route 60

Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should look for alternate route

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Project information:

Contractor: Capital Paving & Construction LLC, Jefferson City

Total estimated cost: $21 millionIntersection Improvements at Campbell Ave are a cost share with the City of Springfield

Project Webpage & sign up for project updates: https://www.modot.org/us-route-60-james-river-freeway-widening-project

Appellate court affirms $1.5 million judgment against Mercy Joplin for 2015 parking lot shooting

The Southern District Court of Appeals has upheld a $1.5 million judgment against Mercy Joplin in a civil suit stemming from a 2015 shooting in the hospital parking lot.

A Newton County jury found in favor of Steven Harner, 66, Monett, following a five-day trial in July 2021, determining that Mercy was 75 percent responsible for Harner's injuries.

According to a Joplin Police Department news release, Harner found Kaylea Nicole Liska, Webb City, 21 at the time, in his vehicle in the parking lot and confronted her. "She shot Harner and fled the scene." The police found Liska and arrested her the following morning.

Liska entered an Alford plea in 2017 and was sentenced to 20 years for assault and three years for armed criminal action to be served concurrently.

The history of the court proceedings was included in the court's opinion:

Harner sued Mercy in negligence relating to injuries Harner sustained in December 2015 when he was shot by Kaylea Liska (“Liska”) in Mercy’s parking lot while visiting his daughter at Mercy’s Emergency Department. 

Mercy moved for summary judgment, arguing it owed no duty to protect Harner from the criminal acts of a third party. The trial court denied summary judgment. 

The case was tried to a jury over five days beginning July 19, 2021. Mercy moved for directed verdict at the close of Harner’s case and at the close of all of the evidence, and the trial court denied both motions. 

On July 23, 2021, the jury returned a verdict for Harner and awarded damages of $2,000,000, which the trial court reduced to $1,500,000 based on the jury assessing Harner 25% of the fault. 

West Plains man sentenced to 28 years for leading meth conspiracy

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

A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy that distributed 360 kilograms of methamphetamine in southern Missouri over a three-year period.

James W. Fithen, Jr., also known as “Boss,” 38, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 28 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Fithen to pay a money judgment of $3.6 million, which represents a conservative estimate of the total proceeds he obtained from the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

On March 8, 2022, Fithen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of aiding and abetting the attempted possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Fithen acquired kilogram-level quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico and supplied co-defendants Patrick A. Dodson, also known as “Julio,” 42, of West Plains, and Samuel L. Pyatt, also known as “Tippy,” 47, of Pomona, Mo. Dodson and Pyatt then distributed methamphetamine to others during the three-year-long conspiracy that lasted from Feb. 28, 2017, to Feb. 28, 2020.

Fithen was arrested on Feb. 28, 2020, when he was intercepted by law enforcement in Arkansas on his return trip from buying methamphetamine in Texas. Officers found 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the back seat of the vehicle where Fithen was riding.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from conspirators who were supplied by Fithen. The Fithen drug-trafficking organization was selling 10 to 20 kilograms of methamphetamine per month, at a profit of approximately $100,000 per month.

According to court documents, Fithen put out a hit on co-defendant Christopher L. Dusenbury, 32, of Bowling Green, Mo., because Dusenbury stole seven pounds of methamphetamine from him.

Court documents report the impact such a large-scale drug-trafficking organization had on the small rural community in southern Missouri. The U.S. Census reported the population of West Plains was 11,986 in 2010. According to court documents, the amount of methamphetamine distributed by this drug-trafficking organization in one month alone was enough to supply four doses (0.25 grams) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in the community.

In 2016, law enforcement officers in Howell County, Mo., reported 244 known violent and property crime offenses to the FBI. By 2020, that number had nearly doubled to 471.

Fithen is the twelfth defendant to be sentenced in this case. Dodson was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Pyatt was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Dusenbury was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole.

Megan L. Neal, also known as “Squirrel,” 39, of West Plains, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison without parole. Bradley J. Russell, 58, of West Plains, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Bolinda J. Gleghorn, 60, of West Plains, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison without parole. Kevin L. Moss, 49, of West Plains, was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole. Barbra L. Newton, 44, of West Plains, was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. Brady T. Smith, 27, of West Plains, was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. Austin L. Velarde, 27, of West Plains, was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Leslie O. Collins, 48, of West Plains, was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole.

Chelsea B. Cloven, 30, of West Plains, the final defendant remaining to be sentenced, pleaded guilty on July 5, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2023.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Howell, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, the Arkansas State Police, the Fulton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the Arkansas 16th Judicial Drug Task Force.