Prosecutors file lesser charge against suspect in deadly Columbia shooting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has filed a lesser charge against a man accused in a deadly Columbia shooting.

Prosecutors said Monday that Tyreese O. Perkins, 20, of Columbia, is now charged with a felony count of tampering with physical evidence. The prosecutor's office had charged Perkins with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Jakob Cole.

Police found Cole on Feb. 15 shot several times outside of a home in the 4700 block of West Millbrook Drive. Cole later died at the hospital.

A second suspect, Malik D. Townsend, 23, of Columbia pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last week. A Boone County judge sentenced Townsend to 27 years in prison for Cole's death.

According to court documents, Perkins hid a gun for Townsend. Perkins is also accused of driving Townsend away from the home after the shooting.

The shooting reportedly happened after an argument over $40, according to the probable cause statement.