Standoff Suspect Facing Weapons Charges in Taney County:

Mark David Simmons (Taney County mug shot)

Charges have been filed in Taney County against a capital murder suspect from Texas that was involved in an eight-and-a- half hour standoff with authorities in Branson Tuesday June 29th.

Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell filed a single count of unlawful use possession of a firearm against Mark David Simmons, 51, of Rockport, Texas, late this afternoon. Those charges stem from the rifle and two handguns that Simmons had in his motel room when he was arrested.

A patrol officer was checking license plates at hotels in Branson following a pair of motel robberies Sunday when he got a hit on a stolen blue Hyundai parked at Walnut Lane Motel. The vehicle matched the same description as the getaway car used in the robberies. That hit also revealed that the suspect thought to have stolen the vehicle was wanted in Hays County, Texas on a capital murder warrant.

Prosecutors in Texas say that Simmons allegedly shot his business partner Steven Wayne Woelfel in April and lived with the mans decaying body for a week before he moved the mans body to a detached garage and set it on fire. Investigators believe he also unhooked a gas line to a stove in the house and left a candle burning that caused an explosion that blew out the windows and walls of the house as first responders were battling the garage fire.

Investigators believe the rifle and handguns found in Simmons motel room were stolen from Woelfel residence at the time of his murder.

Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell

Merrell says, "There is a possibility that Simmons could stay here and answer our charges first before he is extradited back to Texas to face the charges there. It comes down to who has him in custody. We're still trying to work all of the details out."

No charges connected to the weekend robberies have been filed, "I've not filed any charges connected to the robberies because the investigation has not been completed on those yet."

Simmons is scheduled to be arraigned on the weapons charge tomorrow according to Merrell.

Merrell cited Missouri Revised Statute 571.072 as the charges filed after hours when reached by phone this evening.

Arkansas Man Placed On Probation For 2007 Beating Death Of Disabled Man In Taney County:

Daniel Pease

A man from Russellville, AR, who pleaded guilty in April to involuntary manslaughter for the 2007 beating death of a disabled man in Taney County has been placed on five years probation.

Daniel L. Pease, 29, was originally charged with second-degree murder for the August 4, 2007 beating death of 53 year-old John Ingram, Jr of Hollister. Ingram, who had suffered a stroke in 2002, died of cardiac arrhythmia after Pease and Joshua K. Brokaw beat him with their hands, knees and feet.

According to court records, Pease told detectives that Brokaw repeatedly kneed and kicked the Ingram in the face while he held him down for an over an hour. Brokaw told police that Pease punched Ingram four or five times in the face while Ingram was sitting on a couch, then stomped the man's head and face while he was lying on the floor.

Joshua K. Brokaw

Brokaw, 28, told investigators that Pease asked him to help him put Ingram in the trunk of a car to "help get rid of him." Brokaw told cops that they dragged the man outside where his body was found by deputies.


Brokaw pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter last May for his part in Ingram's death. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

Pease must also perform 100 hours of community service.

Miller Not "Bona Fide" Candidate For Senate; Stations Do Not Have To Air Hate Ad's:

The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that radio and TV stations in Missouri are not legally obligated to broadcast offensive ads by a white supremacist who is a write in candidate for U.S. Senate.

The federal agency made the determination that 69 year-old Glenn Miller of Aurora is not a "bona fide" candidate entitled to "mandatory reasonable access" to broadcast airwaves following a request by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster in April.

What the ruling means is that over-the-air broadcasters don't have to play or accept advertising money to play anti-Semitic ads from Miller like some that aired in March that told white people to "unite" and "take our country back."

Miller is running for retiring Republican Senator Kit Bond's seat. Miller's opponents will be determined in the August 3rd primary. The general election will be held in November.

Tunas Teen Charged With Manslaughter In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash:

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek

A teenager from Tunas is facing charges for allegedly driving drunk and causing the death of her boyfriend last month after her car slammed into a truck in Ozark last month.

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek charged 17 year-old Karena Dawn Smith with one count of first-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of second-degree assault. But this isn't Smith's first alcohol related charge. Less than two weeks before the fatal crash in Ozark, Smith pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in Fair Grove Municipal Court for a June 2009 incident when she was 16, and was placed on two years probation.

Joshua W. Bridges (family photo)

Twenty one year-old Joshua W. Bridges, of Fair Grove was killed when Smith's car turned into the path of a truck on Highway 14 and Business Route 65 at South 17th Street. Another passenger in Smith's vehicle, Ashley Pierce, suffered a broken pelvis and a head injury. The driver of the pickup, Shannon Mitchell, broke his wrist in the crash.

Court records say that Smith had a blood alcohol content of .191 percent, over twice the legal limit. Smith should not have been operating a vehicle that night as the Department of Revenue had revoked her driver's license.

Cleek says authorities are attempting to locate Smith to arrest her, "She's on the run...but they'll find her." When they do, she will be booked into the Christian County jail on a $25,000 cash only bond or she will be held on a probation revocation.

If convicted, Smith could be sentenced to between 5 to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. The assault charges carry a 1 to 7 years in prison sentence.

UPDATED~~DEVELOPING~~Capital Murder Suspect In Standoff With Branson PoliceTransferred To US Marshal's Custody:

Mark David Simmons mug shot

A capital murder suspect wanted in Texas is in a stand-off with authorities in Branson.

Jerry Adams, spokesman for the City of Branson says "Early this morning (06-29-10) a police officer was conducting routine license plate checks at area hotels looking for a car believed used in a pair of motel robberies in Branson on Sunday."

The officer located a stolen vehicle believed used in the robberies at the Walnut Lane Motel on Highway 76 and learned that Mark David Simmons, 51, Rockport, Texas, was wanted on a capital murder warrant there. The Hyundai Sonata was reported stolen to authorities in Rockport by Simmons mother. "The officer made contact with Simmons inside his room at the motel and he has refused to come out," Adams says.

As a result of the stand-off police have barricaded a two block stretch of Highway 76, and motorists have been advised to find alternate routes.

Branson police chief Carroll McCollough says negotiations to get Simmons to surrender, "Have been up and down."

The motel has been evacuated of all guests and workers as a precaution because authorities believe that Simmons is armed and dangerous after talks with detectives in Texas.

Adams says, "Communication is open and ongoing, which is always a good sign."

When asked if authorities were prepared to turn off power to the motel in an effort to get Simmons to come out, Adams said, "We haven't talked about that. You're the first person to ask that."

According to the Hays Free Press, authorities in Buda, Texas, found the decomposing body of Steven Wayne Woelfel, 55, in detached garage that had been set on fire on April 17th. Sources say that Simmon's lived with Woelfel's decaying body for a week then moved it to the garage and set it on fire in an attempt to cover-up the crime. Sources close to the investigation say that Woelfel was shot at least five times execution style.

About five minutes after fire crews arrived on the scene an explosion from inside the house blew out the windows and back and front walls of the residence. Investigators say the explosion was rigged by a lit candle that was left near a disconnected gas line to the stove.

Buda firefighters on scene of April 17 fire/explosion that destroyed home of Steven Wayne Woelfel. (photo by Sean Kimmons/Hays Free Press)

Authorities had been contacted by an ex girlfriend of Woelfel's who told them that a man named Mark, who had been in trouble with the law for selling guns to drug dealers in the past, had been staying with Woelfel.

A guest bedroom and bathroom in Woelfel’s house had been wiped clean with a chemical and the bedding stripped from the bed, as if the person living with him wanted to hide their identity, the affidavit says. Investigators say the bedding was located inside the burnt garage along with a torn-up note, matching Simmons’ handwriting, on how to clean up a crime scene.

In 2008, Simmons completed 10 years probation for prohibited 1997 weapons charges out of College Station, Texas.

According to published reports, in the early morning hours of May 2, 1997, a police officer in an unmarked patrol car on burglary detail witnessed Simmons carrying a duffel bag into a wooded area. They later stopped him and noticed a 9mm Glock pistol and a .32 caliber Beretta automatic Tomcat pistol in his wristband and on his ankle, court records say. Simmons told cops that he was a racist who does not like black people.

An investigator says that in 2009 Simmons was being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety for allegedly leaving several racial messages to state senators on their answering machines after hours.

On Feb. 11, 2010, Simmons was busted and charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He failed to appear for his court date, and an active warrant for his arrest was issued.

Simmons' mother, Wanda Simmons, says that her son is a paranoid schizophrenic who she believes is not taking his medication. She says investigators that her son was employed as a ceramic tile worker. Woelfel, owned Precision Tile, a business he operated out of his home.

UPDATE @ 3:24 p.m:


photo courtesy of Hometown Radio

Branson City spokesman Jerry Adams says the standoff with Simmons was resolved peacefully about 3:04 p.m. "He had just one condition, he asked that he not be thrown to the ground and handcuffed when he was arrested." Once the man was assured that he would not be thrown to the ground after exiting the room, he walked out with his hands on his top his head.



photo courtesy of Hometown Radio

Police Chief Carroll McCullough agreed to the demand and handcuffed Simmons as he exited the room with his hands on top his head. Officers outfitted in SWAT gear hastily enetered the room to gather evidence. McCollough says authorities recovered a rifle and two handguns.



photo courtesy of Hometown Radio

Simmons has been transfered to the custody of U-S Marshals, and will be extradited back to Texas to face murder and weapons charges.

Ozark Man Charged With Stabbing Girlfriend's Father:

Oscar Nava (CCSO)

An man from Ozark has been charged with felony assault with serious physical injury and armed criminal action for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend’s father over the weekend.

Prosecutor Ron Cleek says Oscar Nava, 26, who had been drinking, was charged for the June 26th incident in which he allegedly stabbed Christopher Bryan Wood, in the abdomen with a 15- to 18-inch serrated bread knife at Nava’s residence at 1788 West Grapevine.

According to the probable cause statement, "Genevie Wood (Jenny) was tending to the injuries Oscar received during the fight with Scott Cornelius. He (Christopher Wood) said he waited outside and Nikki Wood (his wife) entered the residence and sat on the other couch. He said he could hear Oscar getting sarcastic with Nikki and Genevie so he entered the residence and sat in a chair by the front door. Christopher said Oscar got in Nikki's face and continued with the sarcasm. Christopher said he told Oscar to stop and Oscar responded by calling Christopher names like punk and bitch."

--

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek

Wood told investigators that Nava then told Wood, "He owed him money and they began to curse at one another."

The fight spilled over into the kitchen where it escalated. At some point Genevie (Jenny) stepped between her boyfriend and her father and Oscar pushed her. According to court records that's when Wood punched Nava in the nose, causing him to fall back into a window, breaking it.

The men scuffled on the floor for a bit before Nava allegedly, "Got up and grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter." Wood told investigators he backed up into the living room and Nava, "Followed him swinging the knife at him." Wood says he was able to restrain Nava on the couch while his daughter attempted to take the knife from her boyfriend. "He (Wood) advised it was at this time he felt a burning feeling in his stomach and realizes he is bleeding excessively."

Wood told detectives he got up and ran out the front door but that Nava followed him and they got into another physical altercation in the carport. Wood says that he was once again able to restrain Nava who began, "Pleading with him to let him go because the cops would put him in jail." Feeling weak from his wounds, Wood let Nava go and he left the residence in a truck.

Ozark police chief Lyle Hodges says Nava was apprehended at a nearby residence.

Wood, who was taken to Cox South Hospital, says he underwent surgery and is in a lot of pain. "I'm hurting, but I'm gonna live."

Nava is also facing charges of third degree domestic assault for an unrelated incident in May. He is being held in the Christian County Jail on $75,000 bond.

Branson Police Investigating Pair Of Weekend Motel Robberies:

Authorities in Branson are investigating two weekend robberies at motels that happened within 20 minutes of each other Sunday night.

Police Chief Carroll McCollough says a man entered the Spinning Wheel Inn on Schaefer Drive about 7:10 p.m. and demanded cash from the clerk who ran into a back room. The crook fled hotel without any cash.

About 20 minutes later the Super 8 on Green Mountain Drive was held up. This time the thief displayed a handgun, swiped money out of the clerks drawer then fled.

Investigators are working to determine if the robberies were committed by the same person. Police are looking for a white male who was driving a blue compact car with Texas disabled license plate 8J MML

If you have any information that can help authorities call 417-334-3300 or the police catch line at 417-334-1085

Ozarks Jailer On Paid Leave For Posing For Playboy:

Jessie Lunderby (Playboy photo)

A Washington County, AR jailer has been placed on paid administrative leave after posing nude for Playboy

Officials are investigating to to see if Jessie Lunderby, 21, violated violated department policy for her off duty modeling when she posed as cyber girl of the week for Playboy's website.

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office says the investigation would look at policies that include one barring “conduct unbecoming of an officer or employee of the department,”another that requires a sheriff’s office employee to get permission for off-duty work and another that forbids working at jobs that have anything to do with sexual conduct.

Lunderby says her phone is ringing of the hook and her email account is full, but she has no regrets.

Former Supervisor Of Teen Rehab Sentenced To Four Years For Statutory Sodomy:

Jana E. Carter mug shot JCSO

The former night supervisor at a Joplin center for teens dealing with alcohol and drug abuse has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to statutory sodomy.

Forty five year-old Jana Carter, of Goodman, was originally charged with two counts of statutory rape and three counts of statutory sodomy for an October 2008 incident where she had sexual intercourse and performed oral sex with two boys, ages 16 and 14 at the Scott Greening Dependency Center. Another 16 year-old alleges he was sexually assaulted by Carter as well.

Trial Date Set For Father Accused Of Killing Infant Then Throwing Him In River:

Eddie Salazar Sr. mug shot JCSO

A trial date has been set for a man from Carthage who allegedly killed his infant son then threw his body in the Spring River.

Prosecutors say Eddie A. Salazar Sr., 29, first told authorities that masked men broke into his home last February, beat him up and kidnapped his 8 month-old son, Eddie Salazar Jr. (b.), which triggered a two day statewide Amber Alert for the little boy.

After Salazar Sr. was charged with filing a false police report he allegedly told authorities he lied and told them where the would find his son.

The autopsy report says the baby died from blunt force trauma to the head. He had other broken bones in his body as well, according to the report.

A trial date has been set for almost one year to the day of little Eddie's disappearance. The trial is scheduled to begin on Febrary 7th with back-up dates of April 4th or May 16th.

Woman Charged With Second Degree Murder In Park Avenue Stabbing Death:

Sharon Lacanski-Shimkus mug shot

A forty four year-old Springfield woman has been charged with killing a man last week in his South Park Avenue home.

Sharon Lancanski-Shimkus is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the stabbing death of 45 year-old Jeffrey Chambers.

Shortly before noon on Friday June 18th, Chambers' sister, Kimberly Chambers, went to her brother's home with her friend, Larry Teer, after their mother had not heard from him for a few days and became concerned.

According to the probable cause statement filed with the charges, nobody answered the door when Kimberly knocked and she found the front screen door and the back door of the home locked, "which worried her because Jeff could not lock the screen door from the outside and thought that he must be inside."

Kimberly then next door to the landlord's home and told him she thought there might be something wrong with her brother and got a key.

"Kimberly reported that upon entering Jeff's residence she discovered him inside his bedroom where he was laying on the floor between the dresser and bed, at which time she ran out of the house where she informed Larry Teer of what she had observed inside the residence."

Teer and a man working in the area, Mark Schmidt, then went inside the home and found blood throughout the residence and discovered Jeff's body lying on the bedroom floor, "covered in blood, with what appeared to be a puncture wound to his throat." They also found Lancanski-Shimkus lying near the deceased Chambers "moaning, unresponsive and covered in blood."

When first responders moved Lancanski-Shimkus, "they discovered that she had been lying on a bloody folding knife with the blade extended."

At the scene, the victims mother, Brenda Holton told an officer, her son was having ongoing problems with a woman she only knew as Sharon.  Holton told investigators that Jeff and Sharon were both alcoholics and "when Sharon became intoxicated she would assault Jeff."

An autopsy determined Chambers died from multiple stab wounds to the chest.

During an interview with Springfield Police Detective Kevin Shipley, Lancanski-Shimkus admitted she stabbed Chambers 10-11 times with her pocketknife during an argument.

Lancanski-Shimkus, who is also facing tampering with a motor vehicle charges for an August 2009 incident in Greene County, is being held in the Greene County jail on $250,000 bond.

Hearing Underway For One Of Rowan Ford's Alleged Killer's

David Spears mug shot

A motions hearing is underway today in Pulaski County for a man accused of raping and murdering 9 year-old Rowan Ford back in 2007.

A motion has been filed to obtain tapes of KY3's coverage of the past few months coverage of Ford's stepfather, David Spears' hearings. A special master appointed by the court has also filed a supplemental report regarding confidential taped phone calls between Spears, Christopher Collings and their attorney's made from within the Barry County jail. Also, a judge will rule at a later date if Spears' alleged taped confession will be allowed to be admitted as evidence at his trial.

Christopher Collings mug shot

Spears and his friend Collings are accused of raping the little girl at Collings trailer in Wheaton. In the probable cause statements filed against Spears and Collings, each of them claimed responsibility for Rowan Fords murder. One of them said that the little girl was killed inside of Collings trailer (b.) the other said that Ford was tied to a fence that held goats outside the trailer and killed there.




Several days after the little girl went missing her body was found in a sinkhole in rural McDonald County on a hunch by a sheriffs deputy on his way to work.

Collings and Spears are due back in court next month for motions hearings pertaining to the special masters report, a telephone survey conducted by Collings defense team and depositions and the taped confession.

Collings trial is scheduled to begin in January of 2011---Spears' in August of 2011.

HAPPENING NOW:Springfield Police Investigating Suspicious Death:

Springfield police are investigating a homicide on the west side of the city at 721 South Park Avenue.

Police spokesman Lt. Roger Moore says that police were called by family members about 12:15 this afternoon (06-18-10) after they went to check on Jeff Chambers and S. L., who are both in their forties, after not hearing from the couple for several days.

One of the family members got a key from the landlord of the home and went inside where she found her brother dead from apparent stab wounds....the woman lying near him.

Moore says officers found a deceased male inside the residence and, an injured woman who was sent to the intensive care unit of a local hospital suffering from cuts and possibly being under the influence of drugs/and or alcohol.

At this hour (3:00 p.m.) police are waiting on a search warrant to enter the house to gather additional evidence.

Sources on the scene say that the mother of Chambers was running up and down the street screaming, "She killed him...I knew she was gonna kill him"

Moore says that officers have been called out to the rental property about a dozen times since the beginning of this year. He says he's not sure if all the calls pertain to Chambers & S. L., or other people, since the home is a rental.

UPDATED: Former Highway Patrol Trooper Charged With Kidnapping In Christian County:

Kenny Dean's Christian County mug shot

A former Highway Patrol trooper charged in Stone County last February with domestic assault and felonious restraint for an alleged attack on his wife has been now been charged in Christian County (P/C at link) with kidnapping, burglary and domestic assault for an unrelated incident on June 15th.

Nixa police officer Jon Huff writes in the probable cause statement that Kenny Dean, 32, Highlandville, kidnapped his estranged wife, Tracy, from her home in Nixa about 10:20 p.m.

Tracy Dean told Huff that she saw a green Bravada drive by her residence and went to see if it was Kenny. She told investigators that she watched as Kenny ran up to the door, banged on it and screamed at her. Tracy Dean told Huff she backed up toward the living room with a gun in her hand and told her husband she had an active order of protection out on him.

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek

Tracy Dean says Kenny was enraged as he charged through the front door. According to the probable cause statement, Tracy Dean "shot at him in fear for her life. She said Kenny then knocked the gun to the floor, took the gun and hit her on the head with it." He then forced her to the pantry while holding the gun to her head and threatened to blow her head off.

Tracy Dean told Huff that her estranged husband, "grabbed her hair and forced her into the
living room. She stated he put the gun back on the counter" before he forcing her into a suburban. A neighbor who lives across the street from Tracy Dean told authorities that he witnessed Kenny Dean force Tracy Dean into the vehicle.

Kenny Dean held Tracy by the hair as he drove toward Hawthorne Road in Highlandville where he allegedly assaulted her again. The Dean's lived on Hawthorne Road until their house burned down in January. Tracy Dean told investigators that Kenny told her he was going to hold her in one of the outbuildings on the property.

While Tracy Dean was being interviewed by Office Huff, Kenny Dean showed up at the police station which "terrified" Tracy Dean. Huff says he asked Dean to wait while he finished the interview.

While waiting for Huff, an employee of Kenny Dean's, Shannon Bailey, showed up at the police department at Dean's request. Huff writes, "I spoke with Bailey. Bailey began to tell me that he had helped Kenny drop off a vehicle at 711 Lantern Ridge. I told Bailey I thought he was being deceptive. Bailey then recanted his above story and said Kenny had called him and
asked him to fabricate the story he had just told me".

Huff then interviewed Kenny Dean who told him, "He received a call from Tracy that she was going to kill herself." Dean says he went over to her house and saw Tracy Dean pointing a gun at herself through the front door. He says he then went inside the house and attempted to get the gun away from his wife when it went off. A bullet was found lodged in the storm door of the residence.

Dean told Huff that, "He hadn't forced Tracy into any vehicle and never assaulted her."

Dean is being held without bond in the Christian County jail. His bond for the Stone County incident was revoked and has now been set at $250,00 cash only.

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek says, "I am not seeking hindering prosecution charges against Bailey at this time. I think we have the bad guy."

Kenny Dean's preliminary hearing has been set for June 28th in Christian County.

Pulaski County Jailer Charged With Having Sex With Inmate:

Joshua S. Wagner

A former jailer in Pulaski County has been charged with having sexual contact with an inmate, according to a news release from Pulaski County Sheriff J. B. King.

Allegations against Joshua Steven Wagner, 27, surfaced on April 26th and on June 15th he was charged. Wagner posted $50,000 bond and has been released from jail.

The Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) of the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the incident.

Sheriff King says, "I cannot and will not comment on the facts of this case to avoid any taint of the case at a later time. I can say that Wagner was one of five persons hired under a federal grant who began training at the Pulaski County Jail on Jan. 17, 2010. During the very first training hour of the first training day I personally told the new employees about the Missouri law governing sexual contact with an inmate and promised them that if they violated our trust in them that we would prosecute the violation."

Billings Woman Found Guilty Of Child Molestation:

Cynthia Stidham mug shot

A jury in Christian County has found a woman from Billings guilty of sexually molesting a family member in February of 2008.

Chrisitian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek says Cynthia Stidham, 41, had the four year-old boy touch her inappropriately and she would fondle the little boy. The little boy told caseworkers that Stidham told him, "Now don't tell anyone or you'll be in big trouble."

Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek

Cleek says all of the children were removed from the Stidham home and placed in protective custody. "You always hear about men molesting children, well women do it do. I want everyone that lives in Christian County to know that it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, if you molest a child in my county, I'm going to prosecute you."

A jury has recommended that Stidham be sentenced to 12 years in prison when she is sentenced by Judge Mark Orr on August 13th.

Newman Transferred To Prison In Fulton:

Peter "Pete" Newman Missouri Department Of Corrections photo

The former camp director for Kanakuk Kamp who was sentenced last week to two life terms plus 30 years for sexually assaulting young boys over several years has been moved to Callaway County, MO to begin serving his sentence.

Peter "Pete" Newman, 34, was transferred to Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center this morning. He will be tested and evaluated at Fulton for the corrections system's education, treatment and vocational programs for a few months before officials decide what prison to place him. He will probably be moved several times during his sentence.

There is still no word on when Colorado authorities will transport Newman to La Plata County to face alleged sexual assault charges involving children there.

UPDATED: Two Suspects Arrested In Connection To 2007 Toddler Death In Lebanon:

Jonathan Boudonck (family photo)

There has been a break in the death investigation of a toddler from Lebanon who died three years ago this month.

On June 23, 2007, 23-month-old Jonathan Boudonck (bo-dunk) was found unresponsive by first responders at the Best Budget Inn on Millcreek Road. The little boy's mother, Amy Boudonck, 23, and her boyfriend, David Olson, 26, told investigators that the little boy slipped and hit his head while he was taking a shower with Olson.

It took about an hour after Jonathan allegedly fell and hit his head for any adult in the motel room to call for help for the little boy. On the 9-1-1 tape you can hear Amy Boudonck screaming for Olson to call 9-1-1 as she attempted to resuscitate the toddler, according to Jonda Boudonck. Jonathan was taken to St. John's in Lebanon and placed on life support where he died later the same night.

family photo

The death was ruled suspicious; the county coroner believed a washcloth was placed over the little boy's face while he was being tortured (a doctor called to the child death review stated he believed Jonathan could have been water-boarded.) The official cause of Jonathan's death was cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain. Laclede County Prosecutor Angie-Hemphill-Wright declined to press charges against Amy Boudonck or Olson at the time citing lack of evidence.

Laclede County Prosecutor Angie Hemphill-Wright

A few weeks ago the police chief in Lebanon opened several old "cold cases," that were near running out of time according to statute of limitation rules. Greg Boudonck, who goes by the name Froggy, has become a friend of mine over the last few years and asked me if it was true. I hesitantly confirmed the information not wanting to get his hopes up. He was torn at the turn of events....he wanted justice for his grandson, but worried it could cost him his relationship with his daughter, and possibly her freedom. "It's bittersweet," Froggy says.

Amy Boudonck and David Olson had a son almost two years ago. He is almost the same age Jonathan was when he died. Froggy found out today his daughter has been lying to him for some time. She told her parents she was living with a co-worker, today they found out she has been living with Olson and his girlfriend in Tunas where the pair was arrested early this morning.

Froggy says his daughter sent him a text message this morning on the way to jail, "I'm headed to jail, it's your fault, I hate you."

Olson is being held in the Laclede County jail on a 24-hour hold for suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Amy Boudonck is being held on a 24 hour hold on suspicion of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

UPDATE: Both Olson and Boudonck have been released pending the filing of formal charges according to Hemphill-Wright. Hemphill-Wright says she asked for additional information from the Lebanon police department and knew she would not receive it within the time frame of the 24 hour hold so she ordered that Boudonck and Olson be released from jail.

On his way home from an interview this evening, Froggy spotted his daughter and Olson walking down Jefferson after their release from the Laclede County jail. The pair allegedly called police and told them that Froggy tried to run over Olson. Hemphill-Wright says she has asked for additional information from the Lebanon police department.

"The arrests of both individuals are the culmination of an in-depth investigation that resulted in additional evidence and statements obtained by detectives," Colonel Joseph Brauer wrote in a press release.

Now all questions regarding the investigation have to go through Hemphill's office, who is reviewing the case file to determine IF any charges will be filed against either suspect, according to a dispatcher at the Lebanon police department.

****Froggy has set up a memorial website for Jonathan

Richardson Sentenced To One Year and One Day:

Richardson in the 70's and in 2009

A former fugitive living in Branson who was on the run from the law for 30years after escaping from a Florida work release program was sentenced to one year and one day for the escape.

Oscar Richardson — known in Branson as Eugene Ward — was two and a half years into a 3 to ten year stretch for a pair of armed robberies in the late '70's when he escaped in 1979.

Richardson, who has already served 159 days, will only serve 48 eight more days on the escape conviction after time served is taken off.

The AP is reporting that Richardson's attorney, Dee Wampler says the Florida Department of Corrections will determine the remaining length of his sentence on the robbery conviction/s that he was serving when he escaped, but believes his client is eligible for early parole on that charge.

In January Richardson pleaded guilty to charges of failing to file state income taxes in Missouri and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Richardson got married while on the lam and has a 26-year-old daughter. He owns a landscaping business and his clients include members of the Herschend family, the owners of Silver Dollar City and other entertainment venues, who were in the courtroom to support him.

Newman Sentenced To Two Life Terms Plus 30 Years:

Peter "Pete" Newman mug shot

The former camp director for Kanakuk Kamps who pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes involving underage boys was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 30 years this afternoon in Taney County.

Peter "Pete" Newman pleaded guilty in February without a plea agreement to two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, and three counts of enticement of a child. Newman admitted he betrayed the trust of underage boys and their parents when he held naked bible study in his hot tub, where he performed masturbation with/or on the boys, performed oral sex with the young men and played naked basketball with the youths.

Every available seat (at least 100 in attendance) in Judge Mark Orr's courtroom was occupied by victims of 34 year-old Newman, their families or supporters of Newman's.

Dr. Anna Salter, a clinical psychologist and author called as an expert witness by the state, said that Newman tested in the low category on a Static 99 test and that she would look at the test scores cautiously. Static 99 is a test that measures sex offenders who get caught, according to Salter. "The likelihood for him to re-offend is there, but socially skilled offenders don't get caught often."

Salter added, "When religion is used in sex abuse cases it can cause kids to lose their faith in God." She said the community response to victims (in this case boys between the ages of 11 & 15) and their families is key to their healing and self worth. "The justice system and sentence is a key part of the healing process." Salter testified that during one interview Newman said, "my heart beats for kids"

When pressed by Newman's defense attorney Tom Carver, Salter said Newman could respond positively to treatment.




Defense attorney Tom Carver

Carver called an expert of his own, Dr. Joseph Plaud, a psychologist from Boston who interviewed Newman at the Taney County jail. He says Newman, "does not suffer from any major psychological disorder/s." He says self doubts, relationship dependency and attention seeking disorders may have played a role in Newman's crimes against children.

Plaud says Newman is not a pedophile because he prefers post-pubescent boys not pre- pubescent boys. He testified that homosexuality was considered wrong and sinful in Newman's childhood home and that he would have to address those issues in prison. Plaud says Newman is a victim of repressed homosexual urges.

Plaud testified that Newman suffers from social and sexual insecurities and that he has a sexual interest in young boys (and girls) between the ages of 12 - 15. He said that once the boys started exhibiting the behaviors of growing into men, he lost interest in them. Both experts noted that Newman had only one female sex partner, but numerous sexual encounters with young boys.

When Taney Couty Prosecutor Jeff Merrell cross examined Plaud, the psychologist admitted that he was aware of a situation at Kanakuk in 2003 where Newman signed a probationary agreement acknowledging sexual improprieties with young boys. Merrell said when pressed by the camp in 2009 about victims, "Newman revealed 15 names and when pressed further, he named additional victims."


Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell

Plaud responded that Newman is not at a moderate or high risk to re-offend, but that does not mean he will not re-offend-- and believes "he (Newman) is amenable to treatment."

When Merrell asked Plaud how much his testimony cost the defense, Plaud replied "$11,500." Plaud said that included a couple of trips to Taney County to visit Newman in jail to analyze him.

None of the victims or their families chose to verbally address the court, instead they wrote their statements to Judge Orr who had already read them before today's proceeding.

Doug Goodwin addressed the court on behalf of Kanakuk Kamp. He has been on the staff of the Christian based youth camp for over 20 years. He said, "All of us at Kanakuk Kamps have been heartbroken over this situation. But I want to be very clear about a couple of things. I am not here to talk about the impact this situation has had on our camps. Frankly, this in not about Kanakuk. Instead, this is about the victims of sexual abuse--young people and parents who were deceived and victimized; young people and parents whose trust was broken. Whether they are campers or staff, they are all part of the Kanakuk family and I am here today simple to support them."

When Goodwin added, "Pete Newman was very aware what he did was legally wrong and of the moral implications," Newman hung his head in shame.

Newman's brother, Matt, addressed the court, "Pete's actions have consequences, and that the victims deserve justice. Your honor, he has lost everything, his home his family and love."

A childhood friend of Newman's, Jamie Thompson, told Judge Orr that "Pete has caused real harm to the victim's, a camp that he loves and his saviour. But I also believe in redemption, and I will walk this path of restoration with Pete."

Newman cried as his twin brother David addressed the court. "I have spent a lifetime with Pete; we have wept and prayed for his victims and long that Pete will be made whole. Please let my father have the chance to look his own son in the eyes in his home to start the restoration process. We will be there for a lifetime for him."

Pete Newman wept, as did his victims, their family members, and supporters of Newman as he addressed the court (KSPR has the raw video and text of Newman's statement,)

"To the victims and to their families, I want you to know how sorry I am for the things I have done. And I would gladly trade my life if I could take back the things that I've done and the pain that I've caused, the devastation. I failed the families I had spiritual leadership of. I apologize to the community, I too want justice for them...I need to go to prison. This is the road that leads to healing for me. But on this road, my sin is uncovered and I think this is the road that leads to healing for me. I'm in a place where I can say, between the two roads, I take this one. I'd take the road of healing. I want to be whole more than I want to be with my family and more than I want to get out of this....I want to be healed.

I imagine I am the worst thing that has ever happened to Kanakuk....but God is there." He said Kanakuk is a lighthouse and not to blame them for the darkness he brought upon them.

Merrell then told Orr that Newman, "is the most prolific child molester I have ever dealt with," before asking for multiple consecutive life sentences.

Judge Orr retired to his chambers to decide Newman's fate for a little over 40 minutes, when he came back and delivered the verdicts it seemed that both side were a little stunned. Merrell said, "I'm satisfied, but there's always a sense of gravity when someone is sentenced to life. Adding, "I have never seen consecutive life sentences in all my years of practice."

Carver said, "It is a pretty severe sentence given Pet's promising ability to being amenable to treatment. His family is heartbroken."

Merrell added that the families of Newman's victims, "felt very hurt and taken advantage of."

Newman could be eligible for parole after serving about 12 years in prison, then his next consecutive sentence would kick in, then the additional 30 year sentence after that. In all, it appears that Newman could be behind bars for at least 36 years. Merrell believes Newman will go to the Department of Corrections and that authorities from Colorado will take him into custody there on sexual molestation charges out of La Plata County.

Authorities in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and other states have been watching what happens in this case and have expressed interest in Newman for alleged sex crimes against children.

Kevin Fielding, a spokesman for Kanakuk Kamps, says he is not aware of any pending civil litigation against the Branson based camp for Newman's indiscretions while employed by the camp.