Teen charged in deadly Columbia shooting
Jazsmin Halliburton
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Columbia teen has been charged for his alleged involvement in a deadly shooting in Columbia last June.
Rodney Moore Jr., 16, was charged on Thursday with second-degree felony murder, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action in the death of 18-year-old Zarian Simpson in June 2025.
Officers were sent to the Eastgate Apartments at Old 63 and Broadway on June 16 when police found Simpson with a gunshot wound and he was treated at the scene.
Simpson later died at an area hospital. He had graduated from Hickman High School a month before.
Court documents state Boone County Joint Communications received a 911 call just before 8 p.m. from Simpson, reporting he had been hit in the face with a gun and his bag was stolen. Police said Simpson told dispatchers he was following the suspects in his car when shots were heard and he stopped responding.
At the same time, BCJC reported getting multiple reports of shots fired on Sunrise Drive. Court documents state a caller said a purple Camaro ran into his deck and the man inside the car was hit.
Prosecutors wrote in new court documents that Moore allegedly pistol whipped Simpson and shot him.
Steven Paden IV, 34, was charged with robbery in the first degree, armed criminal action and second-degree murder in death of Simpson in June.
Two juveniles were taken into custody with Paden for their roles.
Paden is set to go to trial in June.
Moore’s arraignment is set for Friday afternoon. He is being held without Bond.