Murder charge dropped in Audrain County case

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Charges have been dropped against a Mexico, Missouri, man accused of shooting and killing his brother more than two years ago.

Charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon against Stephen Welch were dropped last week, said Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger. Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson had been overseeing the case as a special prosecutor.

Johnson said charges were dismissed Friday.

"We can't comment at this time because the case could be refiled," Johnson said.

Welch was released from the Audrain County Jail on Friday.

Welch's lawyer, T.J. Kirsch, praised Johnson for conducting an investigation that came to a "correct and just conclusion."

"Stephen has maintained his innocence since day one because he is," Kirsch said.

Welch was accused of killing his brother, Christopher Welch, on May 19, 2024, at a home in Mexico. Investigators say Stephen Welch fired 17 shots into his brother, and continued shooting after Christopher Welch fell to the ground.

A witness told police that Welch shot his brother multiple times, according to court documents. Another witness allegedly said that Christopher Welch was armed with a knife, but was not acting violently.