Judge revokes bond for man who killed person in east Columbia

A federal judge revoked the bond for a man who shot and killed a person in east Columbia last year.

Ricky B. Gurley went back into federal custody on Monday when District Judge Brian Wimes revoked his bond after an hourlong hearing in Jefferson City. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Miller said that Gurley had violated his probation at least twice and had lost his private investigator’s license from the state.

Gurley, accused of illegally possessing a firearm in May 2017, had been released in March. Gurley shot and killed Cameron Caruthers inside a home on Dawn Ridge Drive, and claimed that he was defending himself from Caruthers. Gurley had been convicted of a felony in 1997, making it unlawful for him to have a gun.

Wimes ordered Gurley’s release, which is sealed from the public, and put him on home detention in March. Defense attorney Brady Wimer argued that the “restrictive” conditions of his release, allowing Gurley to leave only for medical visits and physical therapy and for employment purposes, was making it difficult for him to find a job or maintain his job as a private investigator.

“Any deviation from his scheduled therapy sessions have led to intervention by Pre-Trial Services as well as the filing of a violation report on June 6, 2018,” a motion from Wimer said.

Wimer did not comment on the judge’s decision.

Caruthers’ parents sued Gurley over their son’s death. Caruthers’ friends and family have doubted Gurley’s account that the 28-year-old Army veteran attacked Gurley. Caruthers had been getting some of his belongings at the home on Dawn Ridge Drive when the shooting took place. Gurley was federally indicted five months later.

Gurley’s trial is set for Oct. 29.