Lawrence County Sheriff Investigating Homicide, Shooting West of Miller

August 17, 2020

by James McNary, Articles Editor

This rural intersection north of Phelps in rural northern Lawrence County is near to the scene of a shooting and homicide that took place the evening of Aug. 16. A shooting victim reportedly made their way to a nearby residence looking for help, prior to being transported by air ambulance to medical facilities. (Photo by James McNary)

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that an investigation is now underway into a shooting that occurred Sunday night, Aug. 16, in rural Lawrence County north of Phelps.

Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay said that the following information is all that can be confirmed at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. Dade County Sheriff Max Huffman, whose office is assisting in the investigation, confirmed the situation continues to evolve.

Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of shots fired at about 10 p.m. Sunday night. Upon arrival at the scene, a female subject was found, still conscious, but having suffered multiple wounds from apparent gunshot. This individual was taken by air ambulance to the nearest hospital/trauma center where at last report she remained in critical condition.

Prior to her medical transport, the individual advised deputies that her friend had also been shot and killed at another location in rural Lawrence County. Personnel from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the Dade County Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol subsequently conducted a search of the area which resulted in the finding of a deceased female individual who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds.

Law enforcement believes that the suspects in the shootings stole one of the victims' vehicles, which was later recovered, though partially burned, in Dade County. Dade County Sheriff’s deputies Derrick Henson and Alex Baldwin arrested three suspects following recovery of the stolen vehicle.

There have been a number of individuals taken into custody relating to this investigation as of Monday afternoon, though formal charges have yet to be filed. The investigation is ongoing and both DeLay and Huffman said that updates will be released as soon as information can be made available.

The shooting victims and suspects are believed by law enforcement to have all been known to each other and that the general public is under no immediate threat.

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