Volunteer Firefighter, Two Brother's Charged With Arson For Suspicious Fires In Lawrence County:

Halltown Volunteer Firefighter Cody Gossett is charged with arson

A volunteer firefighter from Halltown and two other men have been arrested for arson and burglary in connection to some suspicious fires in Lawrence County.

Christopher D. Smith (mug shot LCSO)

Twenty year-old Cody Gossett of Halltown has been charged with second-degree arson.  Christopher D. Smith, 21, and Matthew A. Smith, 23, both of Mount Vernon are facing arson and burglary charges.

Matthew A. Smith (mug shot LCSO)

Sheriff Brad DeLay says the arrests were made after investigations into several suspicious fires last October including two fires at abandoned residences, hay bale fires, and possible several other suspicious fires in the area. 

More charges are expected to be filed soon regarding additional fires as well as the possibility of charging additional suspects. "There could be charges filed on as many as five other people and we are looking into whether or not the people that have already been charged, or other's being looked at, are involved with similar incidents in Greene County this year," said DeLay.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Mastermind In Murder Plot Sentenced To 25 Years, Boyfriend Scheduled To Be Sentenced In November

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The final two suspect in a 2008 contract murder in Springfiled have pleaded guilty.

Theresa Rash and her lover Jeff Bloom acknowledge that the state has enough evidence to secure a conviction in the murder for hire death of Rash's husband, Stepehen E. Rash.

Prosecutors say Theresa Rash hatched plan to kill her husband

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Theresa Rash's boyfriend and alleged co-conspirator Jeff Bloom

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According to court records, the plot to kill Rash on December 5, 2008, was put in motion by Theresa Rash who wanted her husband killed for verbally abusing her and because she wanted to be with Bloom.  The conspiracy was put hatched about a week before Stephen Rash was found dead on his kitchen floor.  He had been bludgeoned with a pipe and his throat had been slashed.

As part of the plea agreement, Theresa Rash was sentenced to 25 years in prison.  Bloom is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3rd.

Alexandrea McNeeley

First-degree murder charges were dropped against Theresa Rash's daughter, Alexandrea McNeeley and her boyfriend Troy Christiansen, and replaced with conspiracy to commit murder charges in exchange for their cooperation against their co-defendants. 
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They were let out of county jail pending the resolution of the other cases and will be sentenced soon, according to Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson.

Troy Christiansen

Five months ago William Reed was found guilty for his part in Rash's murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

William Reed was sentenced to life in prison

After a bench trial last month, Judge Tom Mountjoy found Rusty Amoss guilty for his role in Rash's murder.  He was also sentenced to life in prison.

Rusty Amoss will spend the rest of his life behind bars

Springfield Authorities Investigating Apparent Homicide, Suspect Now Charged:

Clarence L. Smith is charged with murder, assault and armed criminal action (mug shot GCSO)

Authorities in Springfield are investigating an apparent homicide in the northwest part of the city.

One man is dead, and at least two other people suffered injuries during a knife fight in the 1300 block of Mt. Vernon Street about 4 p.m. Sunday.

A woman, who appeared to be bleeding from her leg, was treated at the scene and another woman said she was stabbed in the arm.

Corporal Matt Brown says the man is being questioned about the incident that is being investigated as a suspicious death.  “It’s a possibility it could be upgraded to a homicide at some point,” he said.

On July 12th authorities were called to a murder/suicide four houses away from Sunday's stabbing.

UPDATE 08-29-11:

Clarence L. Smith, 55, has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of  39 year-old Terry Lynn Brake, two counts of assault and three counts of armed criminal action.  Authorities say Smith allegedly "snapped" when he found out Brake and his ex-girlfriend were dating. 
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He is being held without bond. 

Terry Lynn Brake

~UPDATED~Former McDonald County Jailer Facing Additional Sex Charges, Allegations Former Prosecutor Refused To Charge Surface:

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Terrie Zornes is accused of raping female inmate in 1994 (mug shot McCSO)

A former jailer in McDonald County who allegedly made sexual advances on an underage girl last year is now facing rape charges related to a female inmate almost two decades ago.

Terrie Zornes, 47, of Pineville was charged last week with forcibly raping, Sheena Eastburn, a 17-year-old inmate who was being held on a murder charge in March of 1994.

Zornes is scheduled to be arraigned in Associate Circuit Court in McDonald County tomorrow (08-29-11) on the forcible rape of the inmate.

According to court documents, Zornes worked as a jailer between Jan. 1 and March 1, 1994, and had “complete authority over the inmate and her environment and welfare at the detention center. (The inmate) was ordered into the property room for sexual purposes, and due to her confined status lacked the ability, authority and mental capacity to resist for fearing for her safety and well-being.”

The statement alleges that Zornes attempted to alter surveillance video that showed him arriving and leaving the women’s pod of the jail, but that he failed to alter a clock visible in the video.

“This altered video did show a lapse in time on the clock on the wall in the video,” according to the probable cause statement.
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A source close to the investigation says, "Former Sheriff Don Schlessman personally went to former prosecutor, Joseph Schoeberl, and informed him of the allegations and asked him if he would charge Zornes with misconduct of a jailer.  He refused because he wanted a conviction or a plea in the murder case."

In an interview with The Ozarks Sentinel, Schoeberl, who is now an Associate Circuit Court Judge in Jasper County said, "To the best of my recollection I do not recall anything being brought to my attention where she [Eastburn] was the victim of a rape in the county jail while I was prosecutor.  Why wasn't this ever brought up to her capital defense team?  She had some of the best attorney's in the state."
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Sheena Renea Eastburn is now asking the court for mercy

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Authorities recently learned of the alleged rape of Eastburn, who a jury found guilty of the first-degree murder of her husband, while investigating another case.  Eastburn, who is now 35, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  However, she has filed a motion asking the court for mercy and to commute her sentence to life WITH the possibility of parole.

On Tuesday, his trial on charges of enticement, statutory sodomy, sexual abuse and sexual misconduct with someone under 15 is scheduled to begin. 

Prosecutors allege in that case that Zornes sent a fourteen year-old girl porn and made sexual advances on the teen between September and December of 2010.  The girl told authorities that Zorn tried to molest her while they were in a creek and he later exposed himself to her and made the girl touch him.

In one text message, he reportedly said, “I’m sorry, babe, but if we can’t be together then I’m going to have to get tough with your mom.”
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UPDATE:

A ruling on Eastburn's post conviction relief is expected to be handed down on February 28, 2012.
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UPDATE 03-04-12:
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No ruling was made on Eastburn's motion.  A case review is now scheduled to be heard on on July 10, 2012.
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Joplin Globe reporter Wally Kennedy has a great recap of what happened in the courtroom here: http://www.joplinglobe.com/crime_and_courts/x2054918901/Decision-in-hearing-reserved

Couple Busted In Fraudulent Adoption Scheme Tied To Joplin Tornado:

Lisa Joan Wing said she lost everything in May tornado

A couple who said the were victims of the deadly tornado that ripped through Joplin in May are facing charges of felony stealing and forgery in an alleged fraudulent adoption scheme.

On August 24th the Joplin Police Department was notified that Lisa Joan Wing, 29, and Lonnie L. Riddell, 30, had provided false documents to a Baltimore, Maryland couple that was supposed to adopt the couples baby and the adoption agency involved.  The couple from Maryland had given Wing and Riddell almost $3,000 to help with rent payments, cell phone bills, food and clothing.

During the investigation it was learned that Wing and Riddell , who had also made arrangements with another couple from Arkansas for $10,000 in exchange for the baby, traveled from Tulsa, Oklahoma after the May 22nd tornado and claimed they were victims of the disaster and sought help from the community in an interview with KSPR news in Sprngfield.

Wing is being held in the Joplin city jail on $7,500 bond - charges are pending against Riddell.

The baby is now in protective custody of DFS.

Cassville Man Charged In Girlfriend's Murder:

Jimmy Joe Nelson has been charged with murder

A man from Cassville has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of his girlfriend last week.

Prosecutor Johnnie Cox says Jimmy Joe Nelson, 40, slit 43 year-old Vicki Leigh Clark's neck and she bled to death during a fight last week (08-17-11) at the couples apartment in Cassville.

Barry County Prosecutor Johnnie Cox

According to the probable cause statement, Nelson called Clark's boss and told them Clark killed herself about 2 a.m. - Clark's boss then notified authorities about 11:00 a.m.  Investigators say Clark had "defensive cut wounds" on her hands and arm and "two distinctive slice wounds to the neck."

Authorities say a folding lock blade knife was found lying on Clark's neck when she was found deceased.

Dr. Keith Norton with Southwest Missouri Forensics says Clark had bruising on her face and skull that came from being beaten prior to death, according to court records.

Neighbors say the couple fought on a regular basis and Nelson would lock Clark out of the apartment....sometimes when it was freezing outside.

Nelson was arrested last night at a residence in Barry County without incident and is being held in the Barry County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Jury's Verdict Overturned In Rolland Comstock Wrongful Death Lawsuit:

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Rolland Comstock in his beloved home library

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The judge who heard the wrongful death lawsuit of Springfield attorney Rolland Comstock has thrown out the jury's verdict saying it was "so inconsistent as to be self-destructive."

The jury had awarded Faith Stocker, and her siblings, $125,00.00 citing "aggravating circumstances" for the July 2007 death of her adopted father Rolland Comstock.  Stocker brought the case against her biological mother Alberta Comstock.  The jury did not award Stocker any punitive (punishment) damages.

Alberta Comstock in June during wrongful death trial (courtesy Springfield News-Leader)

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In a memorandum accompanying his decision, Cordonnier cited case law barring punitive awards when no actual damages are assessed and pointed in particular to an opinion filed this month in the Western District Court of Appeals “reconfirm[ing] Missouri’s adherence to (that) general rule.”



Comstock's Greene County mansion



The Comstock's were divorced in 2005 after thirty eight years of marriage and were involved in a bitter dispute over the sale of Comstock House, the mansion that sits close to McDaniel Lake that they both dearly loved.
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Comstock was found dead on the floor here.  One of the gunshots went into the wall

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When Comstock was found shot to death on the dining room floor of the mansion Rolland Comstock's estate paid Alberta Comstock $250,000 for her share of the house.  Alberta Comstock and her son, Michael, have been named persons of interest in Rolland Comstock's death - although no one has been criminally charged for his murder.

In his ruling, Judge Coronnier also declined the defenses request for a new trial.

Body Found In Rural Taney Confirmed As Rusty Porter:

Taney County Coroner Kevin Tweedy says he has received confirmation from a forensic lab in Texas that the human remains of a male found murdered in rural Taney County last month are those of Rusty Porter.

This comes on the same day funeral services for Porter's wife, Becky, were held.

Becky and Rusty Porter went missing from their home near Willard last April.  After an exhaustive three month search a Taney County deputy, acting on a tip, discovered the couples bodies about two miles from Cedar Creek Road.  The area is surrounded by the dense woods of  the Mark Twain National Forest and the nearest house is approximately two miles away.

Authorities have not said what specifically what led the investigation to Taney County, but early on in the investigation Arnott said the couple had ties to the Branson area.  "We've been searching that area on and off for some time with ATV's and watercraft.  Let's just say that there is no way we could have picked that area without some specific information leading us there," Arnott said in July.

Becky Porter was positively identified by dental records and Rusty Porter was identified through medical records, MRI imaging and DNA.  Rusty Porter had undergone surgery for a spinal/brain tumor last fall. 

Tweedy says the forensic lab is still attempting to determine the cause of death and help investigators "with a timeline."  He says he expects the bodies will be released to family members within the next few weeks.

~Developing~Christian County Authorities Investigating Human Remains Found Behind Clever High School:

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Jeffrey Pinegar has been missing since he allegedly robbed Family Pharmacy in April

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Authorities in Christian County have opened a suspicious death investigation after human remains were found by someone walking on a heavily wooded trail behind Clever High School Monday evening (08-22-11.)  Students started school in Clever on August 17th.

Investigators believe the remains, that appear to be those of a man based on clothing and identification found with the remains, may have been there for about four to five months based on decomposition.
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Investigators at scene near where remains were found (courtesy KOLR)

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Sheriff Joey Kyle says his office is assisting Clever PD and the Highway Patrol in the investigation and currently does not have any active missing person investigations that match the remains.

There is speculation that the body could be that of Jeffrey A. Pinegar, 47.  Pinegar was charged with robbing Family Pharmacy, that was housed in a trailer adjacent to Murfin's Market, in April of this year. Authorities say Pinegar stole 510 pills that included Oxycontin, Hydromorphine and Alprazolam.

The high school sits across the street from Murfin's Market and Pinegar has not been seen since the robbery.

Sheriff Kyle says, "There's the potential that it could be him.  I'm not going to confirm it or deny it."
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Southwest Missouri Forensics will conduct an autopsy on the remains tomorrow in Springfield to possibly determine a cause of death.  It will take DNA and dental records to make a positive ID.
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UPDATE 08-26-11:

Authorities confirmed today that the body found was indeed Jeff Pinegar.  It will take toxicology reports to reveal the cause of Pinegar's death.

Arkansas Doctor Charged With Rape Of 7 Year-Old:

Dr. Byron Kevin Beaver (mug shot FCSO)

A doctor from Conway, Arkansas has been arrested on two counts of child rape and two counts of sexual assault of a seven year-old girl.

According to The Log Cabin Democrat,  Dr. Byron Kevin Beaver, 39, turned himself in Friday evening after he learned of the allegations and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. The mother of the child alerted authorities once she learned of the alleged incident.

A dispatcher with the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office says Beaver is still in jail on $500,000 bond.

Dr. Beaver has a wound care practice in Morrilton.
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UPDATE 08-23-11:

Beaver's bond was reduced to $50,000 and he has bonded out of jail.

In keeping with the terms of his release, Beaver is required to wear an electronic monitoring device and will be on house arrest. However, he will still be allowed to work at his wound care practice in Morrilton and attend church.

~UPDATED~Stone County Authorities Searching For Marionville Man Not Seen Since Leaving Mental Hospital:

Marty Lynn White (mug shot SCSO)

Authorities in Stone County are searching for a Marionville man who allegedly pulled a gun on his sister in a drunken dispute last week.

Forty five year-old Marty Lynn White was arrested and taken to a hospital in Springfield.  He was then transported to a mental facility in Fulton and has not been seen since his release.

White, has been charged with exhibiting a weapon in a threatening manner and discharging a weapon while intoxicated, was also charged with harassment last week in Crane, according to Stone County Prosecutor Matt Selby.

UPDATE 08-21-11 @ 1:42 p.m.:

According to Stone County Detective Tim Gideon, White is currently being held on a warrant at a maximum security mental health facility within the Missouri Department of Corrections.  He will be transported back to Stone County once he is released.
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UPDATE 08-23-11:

White has also been charged with felony domestic assault.  He has been transported back to the Stone County jail and is being held on $60,000 cash only bond.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin To Release "Yellow Missing Signs" About Springfield's Three Missing Women:

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Tattered, faded yellow missing sign of Three Missing Women @ Adobe Cafe (courtesy Springfield News-Leader)

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For those of you who want to see justice for Sherrill Levitt, Suzie Streeter and Stacy McCall listen and BUY this song when it is released. It is about The Three Missing Women, AKA The Springfield Three.

A local band, with a national audience, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - will release "Yellow Missing Signs" about... our missing girls on October 18th. Please support them!
-PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!!!
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http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-download-someone-still-loves-you-boris-yeltsins-yellow-missing-signs-20110818

Suspicious Death Investigation Underway In Cassville:

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Police in Cassville are investigating a suspicious death, according to police chief Dana Kammerlohr.

Kammerlohr says officers found 43 year-old Vicki Leigh Clark, of Cassville, deceased at a residence within the city limits yesterday (08-17-11.)
 
The crime scene was processed and evidence has been sent to the state crime lab for testing.

Southwest Missouri Forensics will conduct an autopsy on Clark tomorrow morning in Springfield.

Chief Kammerlohr say investigators have identified a person of interest and the public is not at risk.
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J.J.N. was released from the Barry County jail after a 24 hour hold pending the filing of formal charges.

Second Of Six Murder Defendant's In 2008 Murder For Hire Plot Sentenced To Life In Prison:

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Rusty Amoss was sentenced to life in prison

A man from Springfield will spend the rest of his life behind bars for his role in a 2008 murder for hire plot in which were six people were charged with murder.

After a bench trial Judge Tom Mountjoy found Rusty Amoss guilty of killing Stephen E. Rash on December 5, 2008. Prosecutors say the murder plan was hatched by Rash's wife, Theresa, and her lover Jeffery Bloom, whose trial is scheduled to begin on October 31st.

Prosecutors say Theresa Rash hatched plan to kill her husband

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Theresa Rash's boyfriend and alleged co-conspirator Jeff Bloom

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According to court records, the plot to kill Rash, who Theresa Rash wanted murdered for verbally abusing her, was put in motion about a week before Stephen Rash was found dead on his kitchen floor.  He had been bludgeoned with a pipe and his throat had been slashed.

Alexandrea McNeeley

Theresa Rash's daughter, Alexandrea McNeeley and her boyfriend Troy Christiansen, have entered into plea agreements with the state and may be called on to testify against the remaining Theresa Rash and Bloom.

First-degree murder charges were dropped against McNeeley and Christiansen (who will not be sentenced until all the other defendants have been sentenced) and were replaced with conspiracy to commit murder charges in exchange for their cooperation in the case.

Troy Christiansen

Five months agoWilliam Reed was found guilty for his part in Rash's murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

William Reed was sentenced to life in prison

Theresa Rash's trial is scheduled to begin on November 7th.

U.S. Marshals Capture Cabool Murder Suspect In Colorado:

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U. S. Marshals captured Daniel Chapman in Buena Vista, Colorado

A man from Cabool who has been on the run from authorities for nearly a week after allegedly murdering his wife has been captured by U.S. Marshals in Colorado.

The Cabool Police Department says Daniel Wade Chapman, 54, was arrested without incident about 6:00 this evening by the United States Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force at a house he had been hiding in in Buena Vista.
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Chapman is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of his wife, 55 year-old Sandra "Sandi" May Chapman on August 11th. 
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A customer at the Sinclair station the couple own told authorities he attempted to get into the locked business about 8:22 p.m. but was waved off by Danny Chapman who was arguing with his wife.  The man told authorities that when Sandi Chapman ran toward the locked door her husband shot her. 
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Investigators outside station where Sandi Chapman was murdered (courtesy KY3)


The witness told investigators he heard four more shots as he ran to a nearby car wash where he hid for about five minutes until he saw Chapman leave the business. He then went to the police station to report the incident, according to spokesman Roger McDonald.
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Authorities had been tracking Chapman's movements via his cell phone.  He had been traced to Arkansas, Oklahoma, western Kansas and Colorado.  His daughter told law enforcers she had last talked with her dad last Saturday.
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U.S. Marshals agents from Springfield are headed to Colorado to question Chapman before he's extradited back to Missouri to face the murder charges.
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Bond for Chapman, who allegedly had the murder weapon with him when he was captured, has been set at $5 Million dollars.
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Agencies assisting the Marshals in Chapman’s capture were the Chaffee County, Colo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Cabool Police Department and the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, according to a news release.

Funeral Services Set For Becky Huftt Ellsworth Porter:

Becky Ellsworth Porter

Funeral services have been set for a woman who was found murdered last month in Taney County.

Visitation for Rebecca "Becky" Huftt Ellsworth Porter will be held on Monday August 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. at Manlove-Stumpff Funeral Home in Crane.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the 24th at First Baptist Church in Crane with burial following at Crane Community Cemetery.

Becky and her husband Rusty went missing from their home near Willard last April.  Acting on a tip, authorities found the bodies of a man and woman in late July in rural Taney County.  Becky Porter was positively identified by dental records.  Both bodies were sent to a forensic lab in Texas to help determine a cause of death and to positively identify the male.
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The case is now being investigated as a double homicide.
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Taney County Coroner Kevin Tweedy says he has not been notified that either body has been released by the lab and refused to comment on a cause of death.
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Rebecca Porter’s Obituary:

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Rebecca Ellsworth-Porter, Willard, MO, daughter of Charlie and Mary (Huffines) Hufft, was born November 15, 1964 in Aurora, MO and departed this life at the age of 46.

Rebecca was a loving mother and the pride of her life was her new grandbaby.  She was a loving wife and a faithful friend. Rebecca gave her life to her savior Jesus Christ at an early age and served him faithfully in the Ministry for many years.  She was a pastor’s wife with a servant’s heart and loved playing the piano and singing.  Rebecca was the Sectional Women’s Ministries Leader for the Springfield South Section of the Assemblies of God for several years.

Rebecca worked at Stone County National Bank in Galena for 10 years. Rebecca loved life and had a smile that would light up the room.  She loved to travel and did so all over the world, visiting Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.  She had visited all fifty states with the exception of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Alaska. Rebecca was very active in sports and was an adventurer.

Rebecca loved being with her family and lived for her children and grandchild.  Words cannot express how much she will be missed and the void that she leaves behind.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include: one daughter, Jessica Marie Bullock and her husband, Gary of Marionville; one son, Corey David Ellsworth of Crane; granddaughter, McKenna Marie Bullock; four sisters, Phyllis Terrel and husband, James of Russellville, AR, Joyce Lampe and husband, Ralph of Granby, MO, Janet (Susie) and husband, Vince of Marianna, FL, Marietta Porter and husband, Mike of Stark City, MO; six brothers, Bobby Hufft and wife, Carolyn of Billings, MO, David Hufft of Granby, MO, Charles Hufft of Fair Play, MO, Jimmy Hufft and wife, Leola of Monett,

Pulaski County Authorities Investigating Alleged Rival Motorcycle Gang Shootings:

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Authorities in Pulaski County say two weekend shootings could possibly be related to rival motorcycle gangs.

Sheriff J. B. King says 9-1-1 received twenty calls yesterday evening reporting what was believed to be an accident involving several bikers in the median of I-44 near the 150MM or the Rt. 7 overpass.

Some of the callers reported that approximately 20 men were fighting and shots had been fired. Traffic on I-44 was reported to be stopped.

When law enforcers arrived at the reported scene, bikers from the Galloping Gooses and Vagos were gone.  However, a group of bikers was spotted headed eastbound I-44 and were stopped at the 154, 156 and 157 MM's.

The bikers stopped in Pulaski County said they had no knowledge of the reported incident and a shooting victim refused medical treatment and did not want to press charges against anyone involved in the incident. 

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Laclede County Sheriff Richard Wrinkle says investigators were told that a member of the Vagos group told a prospective member of the Galloping Goose's "that Missouri belonged to the Vagos and the Gooses needed to get out of the state."  He says it was then that a turf war broke out and that the prospective Goose members called their clubhouse in Springfield for backup. 

  

While the investigation in Pulaski County was going on a female gunshot victim arrived at a hospital in Lebanon. Deputies in Laclede County also stopped a number of bikers. At this time it is unknown if the incidents are related, or if the second victim was injured in a separate incident.

Wrinkle says the bikers said they were sorry for the trouble and "they would settle the problem at a later date."

~UPDATED~Cabool Man On The Run After Allegedly Murdering Wife:

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Daniel Wade Chapman is wanted for his wife's murder

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Authorities in Cabool are asking for help in locating a man they believe murdered his wife yesterday evening at the family's business.

A customer at the Sinclair station told authorities he attempted to get into the locked business about 8:22, but was waved off by Daniel "Danny " Chapman who was arguing with his wife.  The man told authorities that when Sandi Chapman ran toward the locked door her husband shot her in the back. 
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The witness told investigators he heard four more shots as he ran to a nearby car wash where he hid for about five minutes until he saw Daniel Chapman leave the couple's business. He then went to the police station to report the incident, according to spokesman Roger McDonald.
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Investigators outside station where Sandi Chapman was murdered (courtesy KY3)


When authorities arrived, they found 55 year-old Sandra May Chapman dead and Daniel Chapman on the run.

Cops believe that Danny Chapman may have run to Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Arkansas or Oklahoma where he has family.  "We're not sure if he's in the area or in a surrounding state," said McDonald.

McDonald says the couple were "going through marital difficulties." Police records do not show any calls of domestic disturbances to the Chapman's home or business.

Chapman was last seen traveling northbound on U. S. 63 in a 2010 white Ford pickup truck with license plate number OUM-214.  Authorities had received a tip that Chapman was in Hardy, Arkansas but that lead was false. 
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This is the last vehicle Danny Chapman was seen in

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If you know where Daniel Chapman, whom is much thinner than the above picture, walks with a limp and sometimes uses a cane, is you're asked to call the Cabool police department at 417-962-3993 or 9-1-1.
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UPDATE 08-13-11:

Daniel Wade Chapman has been formally charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection to his wife's murder.
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UPDATE 08-15-10:

Authorities say they have traced Chapman's cell phone transmissions to Arkansas, Oklahoma and in western Kansas on Saturday.  Chapman's mother lives in Nebraska, but she is in Texas County, according to authorities.

Funeral services for Sandi Chapman will be held tomorrow @ 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Cabool.
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UPDATE 08-17-11:
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U.S. Marshals Capture Cabool Murder Suspect In Colorado:

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U. S. Marshals captured Daniel Chapman in Buena Vista, Colorado

A man from Cabool who has been on the run from authorities for nearly a week after allegedly murdering his wife has been captured by U.S. Marshals in Colorado.

The Cabool Police Department says Daniel Wade Chapman, 54, was arrested without incident about 6:00 this evening by the United States Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force at a house he had been hiding in in Buena Vista.
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Chapman is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of his wife, 55 year-old Sandra "Sandi" May Chapman on August 11th. 
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A customer at the Sinclair station the couple own told authorities he attempted to get into the locked business about 8:22 p.m. but was waved off by Danny Chapman who was arguing with his wife.  The man told authorities that when Sandi Chapman ran toward the locked door her husband shot her. 
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Investigators outside station where Sandi Chapman was murdered (courtesy KY3)


The witness told investigators he heard four more shots as he ran to a nearby car wash where he hid for about five minutes until he saw Chapman leave the business. He then went to the police station to report the incident, according to spokesman Roger McDonald.
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Authorities had been tracking Chapman's movements via his cell phone.  He had been traced to Arkansas, Oklahoma, western Kansas and Colorado.  His daughter told law enforcers she had last talked with her dad last Saturday.
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U.S. Marshals agents from Springfield are headed to Colorado to question Chapman before he's extradited back to Missouri to face the murder charges.
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Bond for Chapman, who allegedly had the murder weapon with him when he was captured, has been set at $5 Million dollars.
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Agencies assisting the Marshals in Chapman’s capture were the Chaffee County, Colo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Cabool Police Department and the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, according to a news release.

Mother Who Forced Daughter Into Prostitution Sentenced To Twelve Years:

Ann Margaret Williams (mug shot TCSO)

A woman from Protem is headed to prison for twelve years for using her daughter for prostitution.

A jury found Ann Margaret Williams, 45, guilty in June of promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child for forcing her fifteen year-old daughter to have sex with sixty four year-old Billy Joe Hunter in 2006 - 2007.

In 2008 the teen gave birth to a child that was determined to be Hunter's through DNA testing.

Just before the baby was born, Williams’ daughter told investigators that she received money from Hunter for sex, and that Williams was present during all but one of the numerous sexual encounters.

Billy Joe Hunter (mug shot TCSO)

In 2009, Hunter pleaded guilty to statutory rape and sodomy and was sentenced to seven years in prison.  He was released in July of 2010 after serving 120 days "shock" time and is required to register as a sex offender.

Ex-Husband Charged In Kristi Wicken Kimes' Murder:

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Kristi Wicken Kimes

The ex-husband of a woman who was found stabbed to death on Monday is facing charges related to her death.

Greene County prosecutor's charged Kelly Lee Kimes, 51, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of 47 year-old Kristi Wicken Kimes.  Kimes was found slumped over the wheel of her vehicle in the Taco Bell parking lot at W. Chestnut and W. Bypass about 7:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Witnesses say the saw a man walk away from the vehicle shortly after it swerved into the restaurant parking lot.

Court documents say surveillance cameras show the Hyundai pulling into the parking lot and after several minutes a man, who looks like Kelly Kimes, exiting the vehicle and dropping a white handled knife into nearby bushes.

Kristi Kimes was found murdered in this vehicle (courtesy Springfield News-Leader)

Authorities say Kristi Kimes dropped her daughters off at her ex-husbands house shortly before whe was found murdered.  When detectives went to Kelly Kimes' home they found the girls there and an impaired Kelly Kimes. 

Investigators told him they were there because of "an incident" and asked if he would accompany them to police headquarters.  Court documents say that as Kimes was getting ready his speech was slurred and he had trouble standing. 

He said "it was a bad deal," then put his had down and started crying.  He said he and his ex-wife had been married for 25 years, but she no longer loved him and it "was hard for him to deal with."

He told officers he had gone for a walk earlier that morning and asked if "she" was okay.  When asked who she was, Kimes replied, "Kristi."  Prior to that statement, Kelly Kimes had not been told what incident authorities wanted to talk to him about.

While being questioned at headquarters, Kimes' condition quickly deteriorated and an ambulance was called to transport him to a nearby hospital.  Authorities believe Kimes drank antifreeze and told his daughter's to prepare a will in case anything happened to him.

According to the probable cause statement, when police searched Kelly Kimes' home on Tuesday they found a knife similar to the one that was found in the bushes near Taco Bell.  Inside the garage they found tennis shoes and a pair of jeans with "stains consistent with blood" in a plastic tub.

The Kimeses were divorced about eight years ago, but had lived together as recently as a year ago when Kristi Kimes asked the court for a full order of protection from her ex-husband.

It appears that Kelly Kimes is still in the hospital as he has not been booked into the Greene County jail. However, a warrant with a $500,000 bond has been issued for his arrest.  Officer David Snider said yesterday that a suspect was "under constant observation at a local hospital."
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UPDATE:

Kelly Kimes waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will stand trial for his ex-wife's murder.

Man Who Slit Wife's Throat In Fight Over Dogs Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison:



Marvin Roy Morgan (mug shot NCSO)


A man from Newton County has pleaded guilty to slitting his wife’s throat last winter and has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Prosecutor Jake Skouby says Marvin Roy Morgan, 56, of Neosho, slashed Jerusha Morgan's neck on January 4th with his pocket knife before he called authorities to report his wife had been cut and was coughing up blood.  When authorities arrived, they found Mrs. Morgan lying on the kitchen floor with a gash that was deep enough for first responders to see the muscles moving in her neck.

Newton County Prosecutor Jake Skouby

"Mr. Morgan had been drinking excessively and was fighting with Jerusha about her dogs.  Mrs. Morgan has recovered from her physical injuries.  The offer my office made was for the sake of the victim not having to testify, and we feel justice was served."

Morgan was sentenced to 15 years in prison for first-degree domestic assault and three years on armed criminal action charges. Those sentences will be served consecutively (one after the other.)   He will have to serve 85% of the 15 year sentence before the 3 year sentence. 

Arkansas Man Sentenced To Two Life Terms For Double Murder:

William Curtis Krohn (mug shot BCSO)

A man from Omaha, Arkansas has been sentenced to two life terms for a double murder in July of 2010.
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Authorities say it was a fight over personal property, alcohol and freeloading that led William Curtis Krohn to gun down 57 year-old Christine Ann Pryor and her 56 year-old husband, William.

According to court records, Krohn had become angry with the Pryor's over their “freeloading and mooching."  The Pryors, their nephew Rich Pryor and Krohn all lived in different trailers on the same property.

The probable cause affidavit says Krohn, Rich Pryor and William Paul Pryor (victim's son) were discussing the situation when Krohn became angry said he “would take care of the problem.”

Within minutes of making the statement witnesses told investigators Krohn left and they heard gunshots and saw Krohn walking out of the victims’ trailer carrying a gun.

The Harrison Daily Times is reporting that a neighbor says Rich Pryor asked, "‘Krohny, what happened?’ He said, ‘I took care of the problem."
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Krohn was originally charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of aggravated burglary.  Prosecutors dropped the burglary charge and amended the capital murder charges to first-degree murder charges in exchange for the guilty pleas. The consecutive life sentences offer no chance for parole.