Audrain County prosecutor releases shooting suspect without charges pending more investigation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Audrain County's prosecuting attorney on Tuesday said he had declined to file charges against a man accused of killing his brother pending further investigation.

Stephen L. Welch, 30, was accused of shooting and killing his brother, Christopher S. Welch, 36, at about 6 p.m. Sunday in Mexico. Police and prosecutors have not released details about what led up to the shooting.

Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger wrote in a statement Tuesday that he had declined to file charges "at this time" and released Stephen Welch from custody.

"This does NOT mean that no charges will be filed in this case," Shellabarger wrote. "I reserve the right to file charges at a later date."

An autopsy and toxicology are pending, Shellabarger wrote, and police continue their investigation.

Shellabarger wrote that he couldn't say any more because of court ethics rules and respect for those affected by the shooting.