Columbia man charged with conspiracy to commit murder

A man has been charged in Boone County with conspiracy to commit murder after deputies responded to a residence for a disturbance on Dec. 31.

According to the probable cause statement, Brian Kelley violently assaulted two elderly residents.

Deputies said Kelley was accused of choking and strangling at least one victim.

One victim told deputies that while they were being strangled they could see spots. Kelley was accused of letting go of the victim, hitting their face before grabbing a board and hitting them in the back and shoulders.

Kelley was also accused of swinging a metal pipe and board at the two victims.

Officers said one victim was able to stop the attack by grabbing wasp spray and using it on Kelley. The victim held Kelley at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived.

Deputies said one victim was visibly bloody and had injuries to their head, arm, and finger.

The victims told deputies they believed the attack was premeditated because there was a conversation on social media detailing how Kelley was going to kill the two.

Officers said the conversation was between Kelley and Jared Bears. The conversation also contained details about how the bodies would be disposed of and which car the men would use to outrun law enforcement.

Deputies said the conversation discusses an exact location and time to meet after the murders were committed.

Kelley was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, domestic assault and armed criminal action. He is currently in the Boone County Jail.

Bears faces possible charges of conspiracy to commit murder.