Another man pleads guilty to murder in 2023 Dove Drive shooting

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Editor’s Note: The charges the defendant pleaded guilty to have been corrected.

A Columbia man accused in the fatal shooting of a man in June 2023 on Dove Drive has pleaded guilty to a lesser murder charge.

Deazes Turner, 22, appeared in court via Zoom from the Cooper County Jail and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Thursday. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison. He was previously charged with first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

Updated court documents say Turner, Deljuan Turner and Alqueze Jones shot and killed Deshon Houston, 33, on June 26, 2023, from a white 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Ja’Shaun Barney; while Bryton Allen also shot at Houston from an Acura MDX driven by Damarkus Williams. Court documents filed on Wednesday say a second man was also shot on that day.

Investigators linked seven suspects to the shooting through witness descriptions of two vehicles and data from a stolen SUV that crashed while fleeing the scene. Both sides had more than 100 witnesses ready to go for this case if it went to trial.

On June 26, 2023, police found Houston shot in the head outside a home in the 3200 block of Dove Drive. Witnesses reported seeing the gunmen firing at Houston and another man through the sunroof of one of the vehicles. 

Officers later found a crashed Ford Explorer with bullet holes but couldn’t find those inside. Deazes Turner, Deljuan Turner and Jones were later found in Oklahoma and arrested June 2024. 

Several men have taken plea deals in the shooting. Deljuan Turner pleaded guilty in November to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Jones, 21, pleaded guilty that same month to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Allen, 22, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 20 years. He was also sentenced to four years in prison in an unrelated case where he pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in 2021.

Barney, 20, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond and has a hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5.

Williams, 20, is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held at the Boone County Jail and has a hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 28.

Jajuan Crockett, 23, is charged with first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, accessory to stealing, stealing more than $750 and tampering with evidence. A jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10. He is being held in the Missouri Department of Corrections and is serving a six-year sentence in an unrelated case.

All of the men accused were previously charged with first-degree murder.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are Interstate 70 improvements worth the traffic headaches?

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Matthew Sanders

The Improve I-70 Project, which will make Interstate 70 at least three lanes statewide, is in full swing.

A lot of that work has been taking place in Mid-Missouri, where the existing road is being widened from two lanes to three. Part of that project is eliminating the exit ramp onto Business Loop 70 from westbound I-70.

The ramp has been closed for some time now. But this weekend, crews will remove it. Since the ramp crosses over the eastbound side of the interstate, that’s where the worst traffic impacts will be.

This is merely one of scores of traffic headaches Mid-Missouri drivers will deal with during the long project. But for many, the results will be worth it.

Are you one of them? Let us know by voting in the poll.

River Region Credit Union, Missouri Credit Union legally merge

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Credit Union has legally merged with the River Region Credit Union, according a post on the Missouri Credit Union’s website.

“Now that we’re legally merged, the work to combine our systems and services takes center stage. This marks an exciting time for us to make good on our promise of increased access and benefits,” Rick Nichols, president and CEO of the combined union was quoted on the website.

The National Credit Union Association approved a merger between the two credit unions in February, which had to be approved by members.

Missouri Credit Union’s website states that a new name for the merged credit union will be decided in the summer and will officially change on Nov. 1.

The combined credit union looks to be fully operational by November.

No charges filed in August overdose death at Boone County Jail

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No criminal charges will be filed in an August 2024 overdose death that occurred at the Boone County Jail.

William Gipson, 43, of Ashland, died in custody at the Boone County Jail. The Boone County Medical Examiner determined that his death was the result of an accidental methamphetamine overdose.

Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson wrote in a letter “The actions of the deputies, officers, and jail staff involved were lawful,” based on a review from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which included photographs, videos and the examiner’s report.

“As the involved personnel acted within the bounds of the law and the cause of death was unrelated to any criminal conduct by those individuals, no further legal action will be taken,” the letter says.

The examiner’s report in previous reporting stated that a peak blood concentration of meth of 20 ng/mL was reported after 2.5 hours after taking 12.5 mg orally. Gipson’s blood had 3700 ng/mL, 125 times that amount.

The autopsy report stated Gipson had several blunt-force injuries including small cuts on his left cheek, upper back, right wrist and left leg. He also had a fracture due to resuscitative attempts, according to the report. There were also defibrillator electrodes on his chest at the time of the exam.

Kehoe seeks damage assessment for federal disaster declaration for storms that hit Pilot Grove, rest of state at beginning of month

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

For the second time in roughly a month, Gov. Mike Kehoe has requested FEMA to participate in joint preliminary damage assessments for counties that were damaged by storms and flooding, according to a Friday afternoon press release from the governor’s office.

An EF-2 tornado ravaged Pilot Grove in Cooper County on April 2, but storms and flooding impacted several counties days before and after.

“Missouri has again been battered by severe storms and significant flooding, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the lives of many families and businesses across the state,” Kehoe was quoted in the release. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to assess impacts, and we believe the extent of the damage clearly meets the threshold for FEMA to again participate in joint damage assessments.”

The joint preliminary assessment was requested for Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington and Wayne counties.

Assessments will begin on Tuesday, April 15, the release says. Teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if individual assistance can be requested through FEMA.

Kehoe previously made the same request for storms that impacted Missouri on March 14 and 15.

Man detained after hours-long standoff in West Columbia

KMIZ on April 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was arrested following a more-than-10-hour standoff Friday at an apartment complex in West Columbia.

A standoff occurred as Ash Street Place Apartments, with its entrance just west of Stadium Boulevard, following a “weapons incident” around 8:30 a.m. Police said at 12:48 p.m. that a man had threatened people with a weapon before going inside his residence.

Columbia Police Department spokesman Brian McNeill said at the scene around 7 p.m. that a man was in custody and taken to an area hospital for a precautionary screening. Only one person was involved.

Police later identified the man in a Friday evening press release as Michael Whited, 59, of Columbia. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of fourth-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Whited did not appear on the Boone County Jail’s online roster on Friday night. Charges have yet to appear on Casenet.

Several loud pops coming from gas canisters occurred shortly after 5 p.m. CPD Assistant Chief Paul Dickinson clarified to ABC 17 News around 5:50 p.m. that gas cans were deployed.

Smoke was seen in an area near the apartment at 5:23 p.m. and a drone was used around 5:30 p.m. More than 10 Columbia police officers were on the scene, along with officers with sniper rifles and an armored vehicle.

A K-9 was also on the scene and police were seen wearing gas masks throughout the later half of the standoff.

Crime scene tape went up about 12:10 p.m. Friday.

Parent whose child is enrolled at a nearby daycare, KinderCare, told ABC 17 News that she was not able to pick up her child on Friday afternoon as the daycare was on lockdown. ABC 17 News reached out to the daycare, but has not yet heard back.

A neighbor told an ABC 17 News reporter that police are regularly seen in the complex for fire alarms, but indicated Friday afternoon’s response was much larger than usual.

This is a developing story.

Pet of the Week: Meet Kevin!

KION on April 11, 2025

Victor Guzman

Our Neighborhood Pet Project introduces Kevin!

Kevin is one of two brothers rescued in north Salinas after a good samaritan saw the young litter running around on a busy street.

Kevin is a six month old orange tabby.

He’s living with a foster family and several other foster kittens.

He enjoys playing with his cat toys, especially with the wand toy and a small mouse toy.

Kevin enjoys meeting new people and getting lots of cuddles and pets. He would prefer a home with other companions to play and nap with and is excellent with very young children, including infants.

You can also meet Kevin in person at the organization’s next adoption event on Saturday March 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information visit ourneighborhoodpetproject.org

Pet of the Week: Meet Lily!

KION on April 11, 2025

Victor Guzman

The Animal Friends Rescue Project invites you to meet and maybe adopt a special pup named Lily!

Lily is 2-years-old and came to AFRP after Hitchcock Road Animal Services reached out for help with a shy-fearful pup.

She’s out of the shelter now and is ready for her forever home.

Lily is described as a little timid at times but gains confidence with love and patience. Once comfortable, she’s all about the zoomies, splashing in the rain and greeting you with the happiest wiggles.

Because she’s a social butterfly and excitable, she would do best with dog-savvy kids over 10 or adult adopters. AFRP says she may also do well with a confident, dog-savvy kitty.

For adoption information visit animalfriendsrescue.org

Monterey Wharf businesses prepare for Spring Crowds Amid Concerns Over Trade Tariffs

KION on April 11, 2025

jose.romo

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) –As the first day of spring ushers in the busy season, local businesses are gearing up to welcome large crowds. However, with ongoing tariffs on neighboring countries, including Mexico and Canada, some are bracing for potentially lower-than-expected turnout.

Emily Melcourt, a local resident, observed the situation firsthand. “Maybe seasonally accurate, but it was definitely empty on the wharf today. I would expect to see a few more. It’s spring break,” she said.

A recent report from the 2024 Visitor Profile Study by See Monterey reveals that Mexico and Canada are the top two contributors to the region’s tourism economy. These countries significantly impact the local market, particularly during peak seasons like spring break.

According to See Monterey, the tourism industry generates $3 billion annually for Monterey County. In a statement, they acknowledged that while it is too early to see any measurable impact from the tariffs, the region remains somewhat insulated from major disruptions.

Thierry Croquet, co-owner of Crepes and Brittany at the Monterey Wharf, shared his perspective. “I don’t think there’s any significant change, especially in this immediate time. I do believe we might feel it a little bit at some point, but I think it’s what I would call the beginning of the birth pains,” Croquet said. “We’re going to need to probably feel that a little bit, but what’s going to take place is we do need to create jobs.”

Croquet, who has owned businesses at the Wharf for 13 years, recently expanded with a new restaurant in Texas. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, calling the current difficulties “necessary burdens.” He added, “Inflation is seen and felt the most, I think, here. And eggs are one of those, staffing, we have quite a bit of staffing. So how much we have to pay our staff and how we pay them, and all the benefits that we have to provide, some of those inflation costs have really affected us. And unfortunately, yes, we have raised some of our prices a little bit and passed it onto the consumer.”

Local residents, while hopeful that their favorite restaurants won’t close due to these challenges, are still feeling the pinch. Bryan Cardenas, a Monterey resident, noted, “I think that, you know, with a little bit of tax inflation, it does kind of affect businesses locally because now, depending on the weather and the days, there are customers that come and customers that don’t.”

As the region adapts to these evolving economic conditions, See Monterey continues to engage with industry partners, inviting them to share their insights on Phase One of the Regional Strategic Tourism Plan.

With spring in full swing, local businesses remain hopeful that the season’s crowds, coupled with a carefully managed strategy, will help weather the storm of rising costs and tariffs.

Convicted murderer Robert Lanoue sentenced Thursday

KION on April 11, 2025

Sergio Berrueta

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The man who pled guilty in the murder of then five-year-old Anne Pham of Seaside–72-year-old Robert John Lanoue from Reno, Nevada–has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison plus 31 additional years, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s office says that on February 20, Lanoue plead guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping, committing a forcible lewd act on a child under 14, forcible rape and forcible sodomy.

The murder occurred in January of 1982 after Lanoue abducted, tortured then killed Pham, according to the DA’s office.

The court ruled that the offenses constituted five “strikes” against California’s Three Strikes Law, and Lanoue was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, according to the Distract Attorney.

The DA said that Pham disappeared while walking to her kindergarten class at Highland Elementary School and was never seen alive again.

“On January 23, 1982, her remains were discovered on the former Fort Ord [and] she had been sexually assaulted and strangled to death,” according to the DA’s office. “The initial investigation did not result in any arrests, and Pham’s murder went unsolved for more than 40 years.”

Read below for KION’s past coverage of Anne Pham’s murder.

Breaking: Suspect in Anne Pham murder case pleads guilty

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE – Robert John Lanoue has pled guilty to the murder of Anne Pham this morning, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

Original Article

Suspect accused of killing Anne Pham has medical emergency before court appearance

The man accused of murdering Anne Pham back in 1982 was scheduled to make a court appearance in Salinas Tuesday, his attorneys took his place in court on his behalf.

Robert John Lanoue, 70, had a medical emergency and was unable to make his scheduled court appearance, according to his attorneys.

Suspect Robert John Lanoue. Photo courtesy of Washoe CountyCounty Sheriff’s Office.

Lanoue’s trial was scheduled to begin in Feb. but was pushed back until April.

His preliminary hearing is now scheduled for April 11.

UPDATE JULY 22, 2022, at 1:52 p.m.- Robert John Lanoue, the man accused of murdering Anne Pham in 1982, was arraigned in court in Salinas.

He pled not guilty to murder, with special circumstances being lewd acts on a child and kidnapping. He is being held on no bail. If found guilty of the special allegations, Lanoue could face life in prison or the death penalty.

His setting hearing is scheduled for August 18.

Suspect Man charged with murder of Anne Pham arrives in Monterey County

The man accused of raping and murdering Anne Pham in 1982 has been extradited to Monterey County, according to the inmate log.

On Thursday, Robert John Lanoue, 70, was booked into Monterey County Jail. According to the Monterey County booking log, his bail is set at $1,020,000 for one count of murder.

Lanoue is scheduled to be arraigned at Monterey County Superior Court Friday.

Nevada man to be extradited back to California for the alleged 1982 murder of 5-year-old Anne Pham

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE JULY 11, 2022, at 3:39 p.m.– The man accused of raping and murdering Anne Pham in 1982 had an extradition hearing in Washoe County on Monday morning.

Robert John Lanoue waived his extradition and the State of California has 11 days to pick him up to take him back to Monterey County to begin setting up for a trial.

Lanoue was charged with first-degree murder, with special circumstance allegations that he murdered Pham while she was kidnapped and for committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14, according to Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni.

Lanoue is currently on the Monterey County Superior Court Portal with a felony charge. There is no date set for an arraignment hearing in Monterey County yet.

Nevada man charged for 1982 murder of 5-year-old Anne Pham

UPDATE JULY 7, 2022, at 2:16 p.m.–  A Nevada man was charged Thursday with the murder of Anne Pham in 1982, said Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M Pacioni.

Robert John Lanoue, age 70 of Reno, Nevada is being held in custody in Nevada and is awaiting extradition in California.

Lanoue is charged with one count of first-degree murder, with special circumstance allegations that he murdered Pham while committing kidnapping and a lewd act on a child under the age of 14, said Pacioni.

“It’s a very strong case. DNA has a large part, genealogy has a large part and circumstantial evidence, in this case, is extremely powerful,” said Interim Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges. “The suspect lived about a block and a half away from Anne Pham.”

Pham went missing on January 21, 1982, while walking to her kindergarten class at Highland Elementary School. She was never seen alive again and her remains were found on Jan. 23, 1982, on the former Fort Ord.

Read more: Team that solved Anne Pham cold case murder speaks out

“In 2020, investigators with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Task Force worked collaboratively with Seaside Police Department to reopen Pham’s case and submit items of evidence from the case for DNA testing,” said Pacioni. “A new type of DNA testing not previously available to earlier investigators identified Lanoue as the suspect in Pham’s murder.

Lanoue was 29 years old at the time of the homicide and was a resident of Seaside.

“This is a great example of excellent police work by the Seaside Police Department in re-opening the Pham case and working collaboratively with Monterey County DA Cold Case Task Force, and ultimately bringing some level of closure to the Pham family,” said Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby. “The hearts of our Seaside community go out to them.”

—

Anne Pham was five-years-old when she was brutally murdered and sexually assaulted in 1982. Her murderer dumped her body near a ditch in Fort Ord where she was discovered approximately two miles from her home.

Seaside Police said Pham was abducted on a rainy morning on January 21, 1982. Her parents lived right down the street from Highland Elementary School. She was allowed to walk to school alone and that morning she never made it to kindergarten.  Two days after she was kidnapped, an Army Criminal Investigation Division investor stumbled on her deceased body while looking for illegal marijuana grow.

Seaside Police Chief Nicholas Borges calls it very usual for a child to be abducted and nobody to see a thing. He’s hoping someone can help and find the missing link to Pham’s case.

“Whoever is responsible for this is a monster,” said Chief Borges.

Pham’s family never saw justice for the heinous crime. Despite local and federal authorities working hard to find Anne’s killer, they could never determine a definitive suspect.

Despite the case being cold for 40-years there is renewed hope.

The Seaside Police Department is working with the Monterey County Cold Case Task Force and reexamining every bit of evidence and leads.

Just a few weeks ago the U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Task Force, which was formed in 2020, with a $535,000 grant to the support the unit’s forensic testing.

Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Matthew L’ Heureux tells KION any DNA collected and stored properly can last for decades.

“We’re finding cases that have potential DNA evidence and we’re starting to go through it sending it off to labs to see what can be done,” said L’Heureux.

We’ll hear more on this case in a special report tonight from KION’s Veronica Macias at 5 and 6 p.m. on KION Newschannel 5/46.