Jefferson City sees spike in homicides in 2018
Officers of the Jefferson City Police Department have responded to seven homicides so far this year, almost double the amount from any other year since 2010. Three homicides have occurred in the last two months.
There were four homicides in both 2016 and 2017, according to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. There were two in 2015, one in 2014, zero in 2013, two in 2012 and one homicide reported for both 2011 and 2010.
“We depend on the community,” JCPD Lt. David Williams said about the ongoing investigations. “If they know anything they are free to call us and share that information with us so we can bring some closure to the families of these people who have suffered through this.”
Police announced Thursday evening that Bruce Thomas, 15, of Jefferson City, was arrested and charged in connection with a November shooting along with 20-year-old Semaj Harris. Court documents say Nilez Nichols, 19, of Jefferson City, was shot and killed on Stadium Boulevard during a drug deal. Police say the investigation is still open.
Police said in a statement Thursday morning that two men had been shot Wednesday evening. One was killed, the other is in critical condition. Neither victim has been identified, pending police contact with the family.
D’Angelo Bratton-Bland, 23, was found by officers on Dawson street Monday night with gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital. He died from his injuries at University Hospital in Columbia. Students held a vigil for Bratton-Bland, who served as the SGA President at Lincoln University, on Wednesday.
Officers found the body of four-year-old Darnell Gray after a days long search in October. His caretaker at the time, Quatavia Givens, is charged with child abuse resulting in death.
In August, officers responded to reports of a shooting death and identified the victim as Charon Session, 23. Alfred Chism called 911 that evening and told officers he shot Session in self-defense. Chism is now charged with murder. Both Chism and Session were students at Lincoln University.
The first homicide of 2018 remains an open case with no arrests. Ronald Rattler, 41 of Jefferson City, was found dead with a gunshot wound inside a home in the 600 block of Clark Avenue in March.
Anyone with information relating to any incident is asked to assist in the investigation by calling the Jefferson City Police Department. Callers who wish to stay anonymous can call the Jefferson City area Crimestoppers line at 573-659-TIPS.
