Crime
43-year-old Greg Baughman dead after shooting in Aiken, wife charged with murder
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the victim in a deadly shooting that occurred on Sunday evening.
Authorities responded to a report of a shooting in the 1000 block of Prides Crossing at approximately 5:09 p.m.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered 43-year-old Greg Baughman suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Baughman was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:30 p.m., according to the coroner’s office.
Law enforcement has confirmed that the victim’s wife, Dr. Jennifer Ray, was the individual who fatally shot him. She has been arrested and charged with murder.
The couple jointly owned the Hitchcock Animal Hospital, located on Summerwood Way in Aiken.
An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Newberry, South Carolina as part of the ongoing investigation.
Witnesses reported seeing a significant law enforcement presence, with at least seven police vehicles and crime scene tape marking off the area by 6:28 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Aiken County Coroner’s Office working alongside the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact local authorities.
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.