Crime
26-year-old Garrett Jordan arrested and charged in connection to shooting death of 16-year-old Colin Brown
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — An arrest has been made in connection with the tragic death of Colin Brown, a high school hockey player from St. Louis who was fatally struck by gunfire on Interstate 55 in November.
Garrett Jordan III, 26, has been charged with first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred on the evening of November 23 as Colin and his father were driving home from a hockey game.
While traveling near Loughborough and Bates on I-55, their vehicle was struck by gunfire. Colin, just 17 years old, was hit by what police described as a “stray bullet.” Despite the family’s immediate efforts to get him medical assistance, Colin succumbed to his injuries four days later.
Court documents indicate that investigators recovered more than 20 cartridge casings at the scene, revealing the use of multiple weapons, including a handgun and a rifle.
The senseless act of violence shocked the St. Louis community, sparking a widespread effort to find the person responsible.
Billboards offering a $25,000 reward for information about the case were installed across the city, highlighting the urgency and public outcry for justice.
Colin’s death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the broader community. Known for his passion for hockey and his bright future, Colin’s loss is felt deeply by all who knew him.
While Jordan’s arrest marks a step forward in the pursuit of justice, the heartbreak of losing Colin remains raw for his loved ones.
His family and friends continue to mourn the promising young life taken too soon, and the community stands in solidarity with them as they navigate this devastating loss.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or charges. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
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.