Callaway County man acquitted in 2019 deadly shooting

CALLAWAY COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Callaway County jury has found a man not guilty of murder and armed criminal action in a 2019 killing.

Michael Hatfield, 47, was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 49-year-old James Newsom.

The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes Thursday afternoon following a three-day trial. Hatfield's attorney Jeffrey Ernst of the St. Louis-based Ernst Law Firm argued that Hatfield shot Newsom in self defense.

"Mr. Hatfield was put into a situation he never wanted to be in," Ernst said. "He had a split second that he had to make a decision on whether he would exercise self defense and he did. He's grateful that he did, because otherwise he believes that he would not be here today."

Officials found Newsom dead at a home in the 10000 block of Erin Drive on July 10, 2019. Hatfield told investigators with the Callaway County Sheriff's Office that he and Newsom were at Hatfield’s home drinking while Hatfield packed for an upcoming move. Hatfield claimed Newsom attacked him, hitting him several times. Hatfield told police Newsom was armed and reached for a gun, so Hatfield shot Newsom and then passed out on the floor.

Ernst admitted to the jury that Hatfield did, in fact, shoot Newsom. He said he was thankful the jury agreed that Hatfield shot to protect himself.

"Under Missouri law, people have the right to defend themselves, and under certain circumstances, have the right to defend themselves using deadly force," Hatfield said. "And that's what happened here."

Callaway County Prosecutor Chris Wilson told ABC 17 News it was a tough case to try.

"This was a tough case and needed to go to trial," Wilson said. "My sincere condolences go out to the entire Newsom family for their loss."