Crime
Wyatt Oser, 8th grader at Trist Middle School killed after accidental shooting in Sand Springs
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened to report the accidental shooting death of a 13-year-old boy on Sunday night.
Sheriff James Pohlmann confirmed that deputies responded to a call around 11:30 pm at a residence located on the 4500 block of East St. Bernard Highway in Meraux.
The young man, identified as Wyatt Oser, an 8th grader at N.P. Trist Middle School, was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators believe the shooting was accidental, as Wyatt was handling a firearm when it discharged.
Sheriff Pohlmann expressed his deepest condolences to Wyatt’s family and friends. “This is a tragic loss for the family and our entire community,” he stated.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
N.P. Trist Middle School also released a statement on Facebook, mourning the loss of their student. The school will have their district crisis response team on campus this week, offering grief counseling and support for students and staff.
A Call for Gun Safety
Sheriff Pohlmann emphasized the importance of firearm safety in preventing such tragedies. “Keeping guns securely stored and out of reach, especially in homes with children or young adults, is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety,” he said.
The Sheriff stressed the use of gun safes or affordable gun locks, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidental discharges or unauthorized access. “By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect your loved ones and promote a safer community,” Sheriff Pohlmann concluded.
A Community in Mourning
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Oser family during this difficult time.
Crime
2 Christian County deputies killed in the line of duty, suspect Richard Bird also dead
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
Christian County, Mo. — A massive multi-agency manhunt in Christian County has ended with the suspect dead, but not before claiming the lives of two sheriff’s deputies and injuring two others.
According to Brad Cole, the suspect, Richard Bird, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on State Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
Authorities confirmed that two deputies with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office were killed in the line of duty during the operation.
One of the fallen deputies has been identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez.
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
In addition to the two fatalities, one Christian County deputy and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Sheriff Cole stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The violence began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a Christian County deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville.
During that stop, Deputy Ramirez was fatally shot, prompting a Blue Alert and a large-scale manhunt for Bird.
After Bird’s vehicle was located abandoned, officers from across the Ozarks converged on the area. Sheriff Cole said approximately 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers participated in the search effort, along with federal partners including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF.
The search continued for hours into the early morning. A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected a moving heat signature in a wooded area near Reeds Spring. As deputies approached the location, Bird reportedly opened fire. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking the suspect and ending the threat.
While the suspect was neutralized, the outcome has left the community in mourning. Two deputies lost their lives in the line of duty, and two others were injured.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating for the department and the broader community. Families of the fallen deputies are now grieving, and colleagues across multiple agencies are reflecting on the risks law enforcement officers face daily.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to process the scene and review the circumstances surrounding the shootings.