Crime & Courts
Crime & Courts coverage from Springfield and across the region.
Recent coverage
Essay Examines Life and Personal Growth Following Criminal Sentence
A personal commentary addresses the challenges individuals encounter after facing criminal convictions. The author emphasizes that a court-issued sentence does not define a person's entire life.
Supreme Court Permits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Federal Inmates
The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for transgender inmates in federal prisons to access gender-affirming healthcare services. The action leaves existing lower-court orders in place while related legal challenges move forward.
Unpaid Medical Debt Spurs Legal Action Against Kansas City Area Patient
A Kansas City area resident faced a lawsuit over an outstanding medical bill, highlighting growing legal actions related to healthcare costs. Many Missouri patients encounter court proceedings when they cannot pay medical expenses.
Missouri newspaper profiled Ponzi scheme operator years before charges
A Missouri publication featured a financial adviser who later faced federal fraud charges for operating a large Ponzi scheme. The individual received accolades in the 2017 article, prior to legal action against him.
Prosecutors Dismiss Vandalism Charges, Citing Contractor Error
Officials dropped charges against two individuals accused of damaging the World War I Museum and Memorial's Reflecting Pool. The prosecutor's office attributed the damage to a contractor's mistake during cleaning.
Missouri Residents Seek Clarity Following In-Custody Death
Following a man's death while in law enforcement custody, residents of a Missouri community are requesting information. The incident has prompted community members to seek transparency and accountability.
AMBER Alert Issued After Infant Abducted in Ferguson
Authorities issued an AMBER Alert following the abduction of an infant from Ferguson, Missouri. Law enforcement initiated a search to locate the child.
Contractor Faces Charges for Alleged Fraud Against Missouri Tornado Victims
State authorities charged a Missouri contractor with felony consumer fraud. The charges stem from allegations that the individual misrepresented services and overcharged residents in areas affected by recent tornadoes.
Law Firm Challenges Roundup Settlement in Federal Court
Keller Postman filed a motion to move a class action lawsuit concerning Roundup to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The firm is also raising objections to the proposed settlement on behalf of specified class members.
Construction Worker Dies on St. Louis Job Site
A construction worker died Tuesday in St. Louis after his own equipment reportedly struck him. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Kansas City Police Investigate Double Homicide on NW Englewood Road
Law enforcement in Kansas City is investigating a double homicide that occurred in the 500 block of NW Englewood Road. Officers responded to the scene following reports of a shooting.
One fatality reported in Highway 47 collision near Troy
A fatal vehicle accident shut down Highway 47 in Lincoln County. Authorities diverted traffic for several hours following the incident.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab Director Announces Retirement
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's crime laboratory division director will retire. He has led the division for 18 years.
Arrest Made in Shooting of University of Missouri Football Player
Authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting of University of Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy. The incident occurred recently, and law enforcement provided no further details about the ongoing investigation.
Acting Attorney General Targets Street Gangs with Terrorism Charges
The interim U.S. Attorney General announced plans to prosecute American street gangs under federal anti-terrorism statutes. This initiative aims to combat violence and drug trafficking by applying stringent legal classifications.
Grand Jury Indicts Man for Attempt to Assassinate Former President Trump in Washington D.C.
A federal grand jury has indicted a suspect in connection with an alleged assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a December 2023 press dinner in Washington D.C.
Man Charged in Attempted Trump Assassination Case Allegedly Sought Mass Casualties
Federal prosecutors allege a suspect who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump planned for widespread casualties during the incident. Authorities state the individual faces charges related to the June event.
Man Dies in Officer-Involved Shooting After Firing at Kansas City Police
Authorities reported a man died following a domestic disturbance in Kansas City where he discharged a firearm at law enforcement. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which involved officers returning fire.
Police fatally shoot individual at St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Authorities confirmed a fatal officer-involved shooting occurred at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. One person died during the incident.
Kansas City Police Officers Discharge Firearms During Northeast Incident
Law enforcement officers from the Kansas City Police Department fired their weapons during an event in the city's Historic Northeast section. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the incident.
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