Conflict happens between people for a variety of different reasons. Regardless of the nature of the conflict, most people calm down and go on about their business as time passes. However, police claim that a man in Missouri murdered two people people and shot at two others even though time had passed since an initial conflict. The man is now charged with murder and assault.
The incident happened at a Missouri campground in early November. Police began investigating after they received reports of gunshots at the campground. They reportedly discovered two bodies in a bed in the park’s office in an area that served as living quarters. Police say that another couple reported that shots were fired into their RV; the man was injured and transported to the hospital.
Police eventually arrested a 58-year-old man. The uninjured woman claims that the defendant had been evicted from the campsite by the deceased couple in October; at the time of his eviction, he allegedly assaulted two of the victims. Police say that a man matching his description was seen at the campsite on surveillance footage at the time of the shooting. They also claim that the man’s vehicle was warm to the touch and his cellphone pinged towers elsewhere even though he reported being home when the incident happened. The man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
With past allegations of conflict between the defendant and the victims, it is easy to make assumptions about guilt. However, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until — and only if — proved otherwise. To help respond to the assault, murder and armed criminal action charges against him, the man may decide to seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Missouri. Such a professional can prepare him to make the decisions that he will face as the case against him proceeds.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, “Man Charged With Killing 2 in Central Missouri Campground“, Heather Hollingsworth, Nov. 9, 2017