Crime
1 killed in 3 overnight shootings in Utica
In the early morning hours of November 8, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., Utica Police and Fire units were dispatched to a report of a shooting victim at a business on 822 South St.
Upon arrival, responders found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Investigators quickly determined that an unknown assailant wearing a mask had entered the establishment, shot the victim, and fled the scene.
The victim was rushed by Utica Fire Department (UFD) personnel to Wynn Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.
Shortly after the initial shooting, as officers were on-site investigating, they received a ShotSpotter alert around 1:00 a.m. indicating multiple gunshots on Faxton St.
As officers responded, 911 calls also came in reporting multiple victims.
At the scene, officers found two victims: a male with gunshot wounds to his back and a female with injuries to her chest.
Utica Police and Fire units quickly administered first aid and transported both victims to Wynn Hospital.
Tragically, despite every effort by emergency responders and hospital staff, the 19-year-old female, identified as Key Amonie, succumbed to her injuries.
The male victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Utica Police and Fire extend their deepest condolences to the family of the young woman and hope for the male victim’s recovery.
While still processing the scene on Faxton St, officers received another ShotSpotter alert at approximately 3:30 a.m., this time from the 1500 block of Howard Ave, indicating multiple gunshots.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that several rounds had been fired into a residence while occupants were asleep, including several children.
Fortunately, none of the residents were injured.
The Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Major Crimes Unit are now conducting thorough investigations into all three incidents, exploring any possible connections between them.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you have any details regarding these incidents, please contact the Utica Police Department at (315) 223-3510. You may also provide information anonymously through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.