Crime
33-year-old Shelby Cody found shot dead in northeast Austin
The motive for the killing remains unknown, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Austin Police are investigating the homicide of 33-year-old Shelby Wayne Cody, whose body was discovered with gunshot wounds near the intersection of U.S. 290 and Calidad Drive on Thursday, November 7th.
Police believe Cody was shot at the scene and later transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The motive for the killing remains unknown, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or Capital Area Crime Stoppers.
A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Shelby proudly served his country in Afghanistan as a member of the United States Army, where he earned the distinguished Combat Infantry Badge, along with other honors for his bravery and dedication.
Shelby’s legacy lives on through his loving family and friends.
He is survived by his father, Charles Cody, and stepmother, Joanne; his mother, Beverly Witcher, and stepfather, Shane; and his beloved older sister, Kelly “Jelly” Goertz, along with her husband, Clint, and their son, Ike.
His family also includes his older brother, Clayton Cody, and Clayton’s fiancée, Tina Schulte, as well as his stepsisters, Heather Rupert and Lauren Konarek, and stepbrothers, Wesley Harkins and Gunnar Witcher.
Shelby was deeply devoted to his girlfriend, Katie Wolf. Their love was evident to all who knew them, as they were inseparable and cherished every moment together.
His memory will be forever held close by his family, friends, and loved ones, who will remember his courage, kindness, and the joy he brought to their lives.
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.