Category: kmiz-local-news

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man has been charged with two felonies after he allegedly attacked another person with a four-foot long, metal level on Tuesday.

Eric Shea, 30, was charged on Monday with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The probable cause statement says police were called to a residence in Columbia on Tuesday after the victim was seen with blood covering several parts of their body. The victim allegedly told police that the blood came from a wound on their arm – which was about 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide – the statement says. Medics said in the statement that the cut went through all three layers of skin.

The victim allegedly told police that they got into an argument with Shea and told him to leave, the statement says. Shea then attacked the victim with the level, the statement says. The level did not have protective plastic on the ends, court documents say.

The victim allegedly described a second assault by Shea that involved a broomstick, court documents say.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor after he allegedly flashed a gun in a video and made threats to kill someone through text message.

Te’Varius Harris, 24, was charged on Monday with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and misdemeanor second-degree harassment. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing was scheduled for Monday.

The probable cause statement says that police received a call on Sunday afternoon about a man threatening to shoot up a home. Court documents allege that Harris made a threat to kill the victim in a text message. The message was viewed by police.

Harris then allegedly sent the victim a video of himself holding a gun, the statement says.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported in a house fire Sunday in Mexico, Missouri, according to a Monday press release from the Mexico Department of Public Safety.

The release says that firefighters were called at 12:48 p.m. to the 300 block of Pleasant Street. Firefighters found a fire in the kitchen of the home and extinguished it, the release says.

The release says the kitchen had “significant fire damage” while the rest of the home had “moderate smoke damage.”

“A resident stated he had a pan of grease on the stove, and he left the room for a few minutes.  When he returned he saw the area around the stove on fire,” the release says.

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Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A public hearing has been scheduled for June 30 amid the ongoing contract impasse between University of Missouri Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Anthem customers using Medicare Advantage plans have been out of MU Health Care’s network since February and other customers since April, after the two parties failed to reach an agreement for a new contract.

Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) said after months of receiving messages and emails from people across the state who can no longer visit their doctors at MU Health Care because they are insured through Anthem, she decided to ask Sen. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo) to hold a hearing.

“I have heard from enough people that my thought was, ‘It does not seem to be getting done,'” O’Laughlin said.  “And if there is progress being made, I’m not aware of it. I knew if we scheduled the public hearing, this would put additional incentive into both parties to try and get to an agreement.”

She announced the hearing on social media Friday.

Crawford chairs the Committee on Insurance and Banking, the Senate Interim Committee on Driving Down the Cost of Healthcare and is a member of the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. The June 30 meeting will be held by the Committee on Insurance and Banking.

“The committee would like to hear from both sides of the situation, maybe some of the factors involved in their decision making,” O’Laughlin said. “What is creating a situation where we can’t find a compromise and renew the contract so that we have continued care for people who have been going to the doctor at MU and now cannot?”

The expiration of the parties’ previous contract forced the 2.1 million Missourians insured through Anthem to either pay out-of-network rates at MU Health Care clinics and hospitals or seek care elsewhere.

“My biggest concern is for people who are seeing specialty doctors,” O’Laughin said. “And it’s easy to say, ‘Well, you can go and go somewhere else or you can get another doctor,’ but we all know how hard it is to get into a specialist. And if they don’t have your information, there can be months of waiting. And for some people, that’s a life-threatening situation.”

Macon County resident Sharon Baker Pennington said her husband was forced to switch providers to receive necessary care.

“He could not wait for Anthem and the University of Missouri to come to an agreement,” she said. “He needed his pacemaker monitored. Out of network specialists & existing conditions cannot wait for negotiations.”

Many Missouri residents are already struggling to establish and maintain primary care. According to previous reporting, 111 out of 114 counties in the Show-Me State have been designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area.

“Caught in the middle of this is our people who have health conditions that need to be taken care of,” O’Laughiln said. “And it’s distressing to me that we are offering insurance and then all of a sudden we don’t have it and there is no solution. And the idea that you can just transfer somewhere else, that is not even realistic.”

MU Health Care serves patients in all 114 Missouri counties. It is also the only academic health system in Mid-Missouri, including a Level 1 trauma center and a children’s hospital. MU Health Care is one of only two hospitals in the state that provides health care to patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

About 100,000 patients are insured through Anthem at MU Health Care, a spokesman previously told ABC 17 News. About 7,000 of those patients use the Anthem Medicare Advantage plan.

Negotiations over other Anthem plans, including Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and HealthLink plans, continue with MU Health Care.

An Anthem spokesperson said in an email Monday that MU Health Care has made future meetings with the insurer conditional.

“Despite our repeated efforts to resume good-faith negotiations, MU Health Care has made future meetings conditional on Anthem first meeting their terms— an approach that prevents meaningful dialogue,” the spokesperson said in an email.

A spokesperson previously told ABC 17 News that MU Health Care demanded a price increase of 39% over three years, which was slightly less than their initial proposal.

Anthem told ABC 17 News on Monday that a recently extended proposal to MU Health Care to continue care for more vulnerable patients through Dec. 31, 202,5 was declined.

“Anthem has offered annual rate increases above the Consumer Price Index (CPI), along with the opportunity to earn more through quality-based incentives,” a spokerson said in an email. “MU Health Care has rejected these offers. We want MU Health Care in our network — but not at a rate Missourians can’t afford.”

MU Health Care wrote in a statement that leadership shares O’Laughlin’s concerns.

“While MU Health Care’s negotiating position and expectations have changed over the last 10 months, Anthem’s has not,” the statement says. “A public hearing presents an opportunity for the Senate Committee and the people of Missouri to hear from Anthem directly on why 1-2% increases are all that they have offered in almost a year.”

A MU Health Care spokesman told ABC 17 News in February that it is seeking new rates that cover the increased costs of providing care due to inflation and other market pressures. Anthem’s processing delays and claim denials have also led to increased administrative burdens, the spokesman said.

O’Laughlin said she hopes that through the hearing, the state can facilitate a conversation and possibly offer help to get the parties to reach an agreement.

“Both of them point to cost escalation, and they both say that they are trying to reach an agreement or have given offers,” O’Laughin said. “But their offers have been turned down, so I would just like for both parties to be in the same room at the same time, which has not happened.”

O’Lauglin said she and Crawford hope a resolution is reached before the June 30 hearing.

“I think that both of them would rather continue these negotiations behind closed doors,” O’Laughlin said. “But the problem with that is when we in the Senate hear about it, we hear from one side and then the other side. And sometimes it’s hard to get to the facts, and it’s a little bit easier when you have them both at the same time.”

O’Laughlin said public review could help bring a resolution sooner.

The hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 30 in the Senate lounge. 

Check back for updates.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Four people had to be saved during a water rescue Monday afternoon, according to a press release from Cole County Emergency Services.

Two people suffered minor injuries and were brought to an area hospital, according to the release.

The release says that a caller at 3:48 p.m. told dispatchers that a man was clinging to debris in the Osage River and was calling for help. The caller then learned three more people were unaccounted.

The man was rescued and allegedly told dispatchers that the other were upstream, the release says. First responders found the other three people on shore, the release says. About 50 emergency responders were at the scene and left by 5:30 p.m., the release says.

The release did not say what caused the injuries.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council on Monday night voted 5-1 to keep its mission and vision statements intact.

The council decided to keep its vision statement to read “Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play,” and its mission statement to say “To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.”

Ward 5 Councilman Don Waterman was the sole “no” vote. The vote also keeps the city’s definition of equity as “We will ensure all residents have fair access to services, opportunities, and resources regardless of their background, neighborhood, income, or identity.”

The council talked about a resolution targeting language surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion – commonly referred to as “DEI” – during a May 5 meeting, but tabled it to Monday. May’s meeting included a two-hour discussion from community members speaking against the proposed change.

DEI has been targeted by conservatives around the country and within the state, with President Donald Trump on Jan. 21 signing an executive order that targets the language used, alleging it promotes discrimination.

A city spokeswoman in May said the city has received $48 million in federal funding since 2020. Last week the city showed a presentation stating the city receives more than $11 million in federal funding for projects. Trump’s order has been interpreted before by the city that it could impact funding to municipalities.

The City Council last month also passed a resolution that aims to shield city staff from lawsuits or claims stemming from their official duties, as long as they act within the scope of their role.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Suspects in Sunday’s fatal shooting in Columbia are still at large as of Tuesday morning, according to the Glasgow Police Chief TJ Livermore.

An ABC 17 News reporter arrived in Glasgow around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday and saw a few law enforcement vehicles in the area.

Livermore told ABC 17 News that the three suspects are considered to be armed and dangerous, but could not say if the suspects were still in the area. Livermore says that the community can still resume normal activities, but remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were in a Howard County town Monday evening for a manhunt.

According to Livermore, the Glasgow Police Department was assisted by the Columbia Police Department SWAT, Chariton County Sheriff’s Department, Cooper County Sheriff’s Department, Fayette PD, Howard County, Saline County and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Columbia Police Department Deputy Chief Matt Stephens told ABC 17 News on Monday night that the department is involved in a manhunt for suspects in Sunday’s fatal shooting at a Columbia apartment complex. Stephens said that CPD received a mutual aid call from Glasgow police on Monday night.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw two males detained by law enforcement at 11:05 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Boone and 3rd streets, but they were let go. A four-door sedan was stopped at the intersection. A damaged vehicle was seen at a Casey’s location in town. The reporter saw multiple people run to the vehicle at Casey’s and speed away.

Livermore confirmed that the suspects they are searching for were involved in the incident at the Casey’s location in town, where they stole items. Livermore also confirmed evidence was recovered, but could not specify where.

Kyle Green, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, told ABC 17 News that the patrol is helping the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and Glasgow Police Department with a search.

The City of Glasgow wrote on its social media at 9:34 p.m. that the residents should stay inside their homes.

“GLASGOW: Please remain inside your homes this evening. More details to come later. If you see anything suspicious please call 911 immediately,” the post reads.

Howard County Emergency Services wrote on its social media at 10:47 p.m. that an “incident did occur at the Glasgow Casey’s this evening around approximately 6 p.m.”

Check back for updates. This story is developing.

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Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia leaders are optimistic a new board by the city’s Office of Violence Prevention will help the community crack down on crime.

OVP Administrator D’Markus Thomas-Brown said he knew coming into the job that he couldn’t get things done by himself. He’s now taken steps toward creating a violence prevention advisory board that involves several community organizations and leaders.

The board had its first meeting earlier this month, and looks to meet again in July. A specific date for its next meeting has not been set but Thomas-Brown said the meeting is open to all community members.

Thomas Brown said the first meeting was made up of 18 people. Several organizations — including the NAACP, Connections to Success, the Columbia Police Department, the Boone County Community Services Department and the Boone County prosecutor — all came together.

“So, the meeting was great because they were able to say this is what we’re willing to look at and focus on as the Office of Violence Prevention and how can we bring what we have to the table to bolster the strategic plan to bolster the collaborations that we want to see,” Thomas-Brown said.

Thomas-Brown said much of the work the board hopes to achieve is identifying where the gaps are that could be leading to violence in the city, especially with youth.

A youth was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon for a deadly shooting Sunday night. Thomas-Brown said one of the major gaps discussed is interventive work.

“The intervention entities or organizations working directly to with those who are most directly impacted by violence,” Thomas-Brown said. “Who’s working to get resources to curve, to be able to get cognitive, behavioral theories and things worked.”

CPD Deputy Chief Matt Stephens was one of the city’s leaders that plans to continue attending meetings. Stephens said he’s looking forward to having a meeting that allows for multiple perspectives, but all with the same goal in mind.

“You know, for us as a police department, a lot of times people don’t want to talk to the cops,” Stephens said. “So, then when you start working in conjunction with people that they will talk to that aren’t the police but will still talk and you’re working toward that common goal, the only thing you’re doing is you’re running parallels and covering a whole lot of ground that otherwise gets missed.”

Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said he’s optimistic these meetings can help the city develop a strategy to deal with violent crime. However, he said it’s a long process that will require the work of the entire community.

Johnson also said he thinks this can help the city have a more proactive approach.

“The prosecutor’s office and law enforcement can be the sticky side of things, but D’Markus and his office, I think there’s a lot of opportunity for them to do things that might cut off crime before it happens,” Johnson said.

Pamela Hardin is the president of the Columbia branch of the NAACP. She also plans to attend meetings, and be apart of the board down the road. Hardin said she hopes the board can work to provide alternatives for youth that deters them from engaging in violence.

“We need something to draw young people even here,” Hardin said. “We need water parks. We need some things like ice skating. We need a bigger roller rink. We need hockey. Those are things that people can develop a sport in and use that to further careers.”

Director of the Boone County Community Services Department, Joanne Nelson said her role within the board is to provide information about the services the department offers. The department funds many prevention and intervention services for youth and families, including funding organizations like Destiny of H.O.P.E who work with children.

Nelson said the department is now hoping to start the “Health and Justice Coordinating Council.”

The group would work to discuss issues that impact the City of Columbia. It would include someone from the court system, CPD and the Boone County Jail. Nelson said they’ve also hoping to include the hospital system, including MU and Boone Health.

“Sometimes, we’re all working with the same individual and we don’t know what the other group is doing so if we can get a data system to help us talk to eachother, we will know what’s going on,” Nelson said.

Nelson said she’s hoping to have the first meeting at the beginning of Fall.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A lane shift and sidewalk closure will occur in the month of July on Veterans United Drive in Columbia, according to a press release from the city.

Crews will work on the sidewalk and drive approach at University of Missouri Health Care’s South Providence Medical Park beginning 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 1. Work is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31, the release says.

According to the release, a portion of the westbound lane of Veterans United Drive will be shifted to the south, while a portion of the northern sidewalk – between South Providence Road and State Farm Parkway – will be closed.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man is dead after a shooting Sunday night at a Columbia apartment complex.

Officers were sent to the Eastgate Apartments at Old 63 and Broadway at about 8 p.m. Police found Zarian Simpson, 18, of Columbia, with a gunshot wound and medics treated him at the scene, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.

Simpson later died at an area hospital. He had graduated from Hickman High School in May, Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said.

A youth has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, police say.

Local activist Daniel Edwards was at Stephen’s Lake Park Monday, holding up his “Stop Killing Each Other” signs with his three sons. He called Simpson’s death “heartbreaking.”

“Having teenagers in this community, I have kids in this community, sad to see kids not being able to solve their problems without killing each other,” Edwards said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics show that Columbia has had 133 gun-related crimes this year. People ages 10-17 were the largest age group of those arrested for violent crime in Columbia, according to the data.

The Kaiser Family Foundation also found a nationwide rise of youth gun violence, with child and teen gun deaths increasing 46% from 2019 to 2021 and holding steady to 2023.

“Back then, it was the adults that were doing the things and kids were mostly fighting,” Edwards said. He encourages parents to show their children patience and self-control.

Edwards is also a supporter of more trauma and grief services being provided by the city.

“If we start them young, and they out here doing the right things at a young age and inspiring each other, that’s what it’s going to take us peers, their peers too, because there’s a disconnection with the adults and the younger generation,” Edwards said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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