Criminal charges filed in W. Chestnut homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On February 1, 2021, at approximately 6:13 p.m., Springfield Police Department officers were dispatched to 2808 W. Chestnut St. due to a 911 caller stating two subjects had been shot. Officers arrived and located two adult males who had suffered gunshot wounds. One of the males was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries that were not considered life threatening. The other male was provided medical treatment on scene, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The deceased person was identified as Chandler Sweaney, a 23-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications were made to Mr. Sweaney’s family.

 

The Springfield Police Department Violent Crimes Unit has worked extensively on the case and identified three suspects: Paul Morales, a 28-year-old male, Timothy Johnson, a 32-year-old male, and Rickey Rose, a 34-year-old male. All three males are from Springfield, Missouri.

On July 6, 2021 the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Paul Morales was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Timothy Johnson was charged with Felony Murder for Death in Attempted Delivery of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and 1st Degree Assault. Johnson was also charged with Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and 1st Degree Assault. Rickey Rose was charged with Felony Murder for Death in Attempted Delivery of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Morales, Johnson, and Rose were already in custody at the Greene County Jail for other unrelated charges. All three suspects are now being held without bond on these charges.

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

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).