Moberly murder suspect in custody after standoff on Sinnock Avenue
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A suspect in a weekend shooting death in Moberly was arrested Thursday after what police called a "brief standoff."
The Moberly Police Department said Thursday afternoon that a suspect was in custody after a standoff that began that morning, and later said in a news release that the suspect was Christopher Viley, 51. Viley was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of Cheryl Gravitt, 57, of Moberly.
Viley was booked into the Randolph County Jail before 6:50 p.m., Sheriff Andy Boggs shared with ABC 17 News.
Gravitt was found dead in her driveway Sunday with a gunshot wound to the head outside her home in the 500 block of Morehead Street.
A Moberly Police news release says Viley left his home and was arrested without incident after the standoff.
The department posted on Facebook about the scene in the 1000 block of Sinnock Avenue, just west of the intersection with Highway 63. MPD posted about an hour later that the suspect was in custody.
Officers remained on scene Thursday afternoon.
The department said the investigation is active and that no other details will be released. No court case information for Viley was publicly available in online court records Thursday afternoon.
Viley has hearings in two other cases -- one for misdemeanor resisting arrest and driving without a license, the other for misdemeanor assault -- set for Sept. 14.
Jacob Gravitt, Cheryl Gravitt's nephew, said her family was overwhelmed when they heard the news of police catching the suspect.
"My aunt's murderer was brought to, in custody, and we're awaiting justice," said Jacob Gravitt. "I had to walk outside, and I dropped to my hands and knees, and I bawled my eyes out because I was happy and emotional and just overwhelmed all at the same time."
Jacob Gravitt said the family was unaware of who was responsible for firing the gun at his aunt.
"We've heard some rumors, but I was clueless, and that was the least of my worries at the time. My worry at the time was my aunt," said Jacob Gravitt. "And then, after the bad news, then I worried. But I let law enforcement handle it."
When first responders arrived at the scene of the crime Sunday night, Jacob Gravitt said they did all they could to help save Cheryl Gravitt's life. He said that during the four-day search for the suspect, officals were committed to bringing the family justice.
"My first responders, they did everything they could do to help, the fire department and the paramedics. I feel as if they did everything in their power that they could, and I appreciate them very much," said Jacob Gravitt. "My family big prayers go out to our law enforcement and our first responder community."
Jacob Gravitt shared that Cheryl Gravitt was a light in her community, lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He said that when he had nowhere to go, his "Aunt C." took him in and helped him out, and that was proof of her kindness in her community
"This front door was always open to anybody that needed help," said Jacob Gravitt. "She was always there. She had the kindest heart, and she really showed me how to treat other people in the world."
