Crime
Kenton Ridge High School student 15-year-old Raymond Estep killed in accidental shooting
A visitation has been arranged to honor the memory of Raymond Estep, a 15-year-old student from Kenton Ridge High School, who tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting on Saturday night.
Ray, who was active on his school’s bowling team, passed away following the incident.
The Littleton & Rue Funeral Home has shared a tribute on its website, commemorating Ray’s life and contributions to his school community.
On Saturday, at approximately 6:37 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to the 4400 block of Reno Road.
According to authorities, a group of teenagers was gathered together when the shooting occurred, which has been described as an unfortunate act of horseplay involving a firearm.
Lieutenant Kristopher Schultz from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office explained that a 16-year-old, who had been invited as a guest, brought a gun to the gathering.
Believing the gun was unloaded after removing the magazine, the teen pointed it at Ray and pulled the trigger.
Tragically, a single round remained in the chamber and discharged, striking Ray in the torso.
He was taken to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, Ray succumbed to his injuries around 7:35 p.m.
Visitation for Ray Estep will take place on Sunday, November 17, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Littleton & Rue Funeral Home, with a private service planned for Monday.
Kenton Ridge High School and the surrounding community are grieving deeply over this loss.
The impact has been profound, creating a ripple effect felt by students, staff, and families throughout the close-knit community. In response, Kenton Ridge has activated its Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan (TECIP), bringing in mental health therapists, counselors, and additional support staff to provide guidance and comfort to those affected by this tragedy. The school encourages anyone in need of support to reach out, as they navigate this difficult time together.
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.