Murder charge upgraded in Jefferson City shooting

A Cole County grand jury has upgraded charges against a man accused in a fatal Jefferson City shooting.

Alfred Chism Jr. now faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Aug. 27 shooting of Lincoln University student Charon Session at Chism’s home. Chism was originally charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Cole County prosecutor Mark Richardson said the grand jury handed down the indictment last week.

The judge in the case approved a $25,000 bond over the state’s objections, Richardson said. Chism’s bond was originally set at $100,000 cash-only.

Chism told police Session had been “verbally harassing him for several days” and had texted Chism just before he showed up at Chism’s home at about 3 a.m. Aug. 27, court documents say. Chism said he answered the door with pistol in hand, told Session to leave, then shot him, according to the statement.

If convicted, Chism could be sentenced to life in prison.