Man accused in 2023 Plush Lounge shooting gets upgraded murder charge
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia man accused in a 2023 shooting at the now-closed Plush Lounge saw his murder charge upgraded from second-degree to first-degree, after a grand jury indictment was filed on Friday.
Kimo Spivey, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, illegal gun possession, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action. He was previously charged with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, illegal gun possession and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.
Spivey is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment for the new charges was held on Monday and Spivey appeared by video from the jail, according to court records. His next hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 8.
Spivey is accused in the death of Melvin Hooker III, along with two other men. Samuel Moss Jr., 29, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in April to unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the charge. Justin Lamar Simpson, 41, was charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of armed criminal action and illegal gun possession. Simpson was not listed on the Boone County Jail roster on Monday afternoon.
Previous reporting indicates a witness allegedly told police Hooker was involved in an argument with a group of people and then went to the passenger side door of his car to get a gun, according to the probable cause statement.
According to previous reporting, Moss could be seen approaching the victim in security footage. Moss allegedly had a gun drawn as he was walking toward the victim.
Spivey then apparently approached Moss, who also had a gun at his side just before shots were fired, court documents said. Court records said there was a brief interaction or conversation between the two men before they began shooting.
According to court documents in previous reporting, Spivey was allegedly seen walking toward the direction of Hooker and began shooting at him. Video footage then shows Moss "shooting at or in the direction of MH as well."
A witness allegedly told law enforcement that they saw “Spivey shoot and kill hooker,” according to court documents through previous reporting. Spivey also had a gunshot wound and was taken to University Hospital, previous reporting indicates.
