Category: kmiz-local-news

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One person is in critical condition after a shooting in Osage County Friday afternoon.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham said deputies responded to County Road 703 around 4:30 p.m. and found a 45-year-old man outside a mobile home with a gunshot wound.

Due to the rural location, a medical helicopter landed nearby, and the victim was flown to University Hospital in Columbia.

Bonham said the shooting may have been related to a love triangle. One man has been detained and is being questioned, and authorities have taken possession of a firearm.

A woman was also stopped while attempting to leave the scene in a black pickup truck. Bonham said she is not considered a suspect, but deputies wanted to speak to her as part of the investigation.

The identities of the victim and the detained suspect have not been released.

The case remains an active investigation.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Moniteau County commissioner who resigned from his position earlier this week has been charged with three felonies.  

Former Northern District Commissioner Doug Naros was charged on Friday in Moniteau County with forgery and two counts of stealing. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Friday. He had resigned from his position after submitting a letter of resignation on Tuesday.

Previous reporting shows the Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office requested on Jan. 28 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol to investigate stealing allegations made against an elected official.

The probable cause statement says on Jan. 22, Naros was “observed by Road and Bridge employees with his personal vehicle in the Road and Bridge shop. A Road and Bridge employee was observed installing parts on Naros’s vehicle.”

A $227.52 invoice was submitted to the Moniteau County Cleark by O’Really Automotive, the statement says. The invoice had a handwritten note with “#5036” and the initials “DN” to indicate the parts were used on Vehicle 5036. The parts were not installed on a county vehicle with that number, the statement says.

“O’Reilly Automotive personnel searched their database and verified the vehicle searched during the transaction on January 22, 2026 matched the description of the vehicle owned by Naros, but not the vehicle owned by Moniteau County (Vehicle 5036.),” the statement says.

Naros allegedly confessed to charging it the account for his personal vehicle. A similar invoice regarding a 100-gallon fuel tank was also charged to the county about a week before that cost $959.99, the statement says.

Court documents also allege Naros told county road-and-bridge employees to trim trees at the driveway of his home in November.

“Additionally, Naros directed an on-duty Road and Bridge employee to transport the county’s mini-excavator to Naros’s residence for Naros’ personal use. During a non-custodial, voluntary interview, Naros confessed to directing these events,” the statement says.

Naros allegedly also OK’d an invoice worth $1,07.27 to put new gravel on roads and spread an inch of road rock on his own driveway, court documents say. The statement makes several more allegations of Naros using equipment for personal use.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who the Missouri State Highway Patrol says has held “several law enforcement positions” was charged on Friday in Pettis County with first-degree rape.

Collin Goodsell, 28, of Peculiar, Missouri, is being held at the Pettis County Jail without bond. A mugshot was not immediately available on Friday afternoon and a court date has not been set.

According to an email from a Missouri Department of Public Safety spokesman, Goodsell as of Friday has a valid peace officer license and is commissioner by the Belton Police Department.

Charging documents allege Goodsell raped a woman in 2017 “by the use of forcible compulsion and in the course thereof the defendant displayed a deadly weapon in a threatening manner.”

A Friday press release from MSHP says Goodsell was arrested on Thursday after the Division of Drug and Crime Control was requested in December to investigate sexual assault allegations against a Belton Police Department employee.

MSHP wrote that Goodsell has held “several law enforcement positions in Cass and Livingston” counties.

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Ryan Shiner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City police officers responded to a shooting Friday on East Cedar Way.

A Friday press release from the Jefferson City Police Department says officers were called at 12:06 p.m. to the 900 block of East Cedar Way after someone had been shot.

A 37-year-old Jefferson City man was found with a gunshot wound. That person was brought to an area hospital and is stable with non-life-threatening injuries, the release says.

The suspect — a 26-year-old Jefferson City man — was seen driving away in a vehicle and a chase with police occurred until the alleged shooter pulled over in the 1700 block of East Elm Street, the release says.

He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child, a second release says.

The name of the alleged shooter was not released by police on Friday afternoon.

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Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is asking local election authorities to verify voters’ citizenship status after a federal program flagged people for potential illegal status. However, many county clerks have spotted citizens on the list.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said Hoskins sent her a list of 74 voters in November whose immigration status needed to be confirmed.

“We could see just from looking at the numbers and looking at the actual voters that were on it, that many of them were naturalized citizens,” Lennon said. “One [voter] we actually registered at their naturalization ceremony.”

The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements is a federal program that allows the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify a person’s status. Hoskins uploaded Missouri voter rolls to the program within the past year.

The Secretary of State’s Office sent lists of voters who needed status verification to county clerks across the state in November. In December, over half of Missouri county clerks signed a letter addressed to Speaker of the House Jon Patterson about Hoskins’ overreach and the inaccurate data the SAVE program provided.

The letter provides two solutions for lawmakers to consider: the Department of Revenue shares immigration statuses with local election authorities, or pass a law that modifies the opportunities noncitizens and citizens have to register to vote.

Lennon said Patterson and other lawmakers didn’t respond to the letter.

About a month after the letter was sent, Hoskins sent another list of flagged voters, which cut down the voters on the first list. Lennon said the second, refined list had only 33 names on it.

“So we didn’t give anything back to the Secretary of State’s Office. I don’t know what happened between the first and the second, really only the Secretary of State’s Office know,” Lennon said.

Lennon said her office still hasn’t done anything to verify the status of the people on either list because the voters indicated on their voter registration that they were citizens.

Clinton Jenkins is the Miller County clerk and the president of the Missouri Association of County Clerksand Election Authorities.

He said members of the association agree that citizen status needs to be checked, but it needs to be done accurately.

“The last thing we want to do is have an actual verified voter removed from the record by mistake,” Jenkins said. “We have time to do this, especially before the August primary election. So let’s pump the brakes and let’s figure this out to do it the right way.”

Jenkins said counties with large cities, like Boone County or Jackson County, will have to deal SAVE data more often than rural counties.

Jenkins said the Secretary of State flagged a registered Mille County voter, but not a citizen. He said the person indicated on the voter application that they weren’t a U.S. citizen, and the county made a mistake in processing the paper work.

Jenkins said another person was flagged earlier this year, but the Secretary of State’s Office retracted that shortly after issuing the notice to Jenkins.

Miller County election officials only received two names.

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Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City woman was charged Friday with domestic assault and armed criminal action for allegedly stabbing her mother in the face.

Michelle I. Ritchie, 33, was charged Friday with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action in the Thursday stabbing at 221 Dover St. Police came to the home after Ritchie called 911, saying she had cut her mother’s face and was sitting in a vehicle in the Target parking lot, according to a probable cause statement.

Police found blood on the kitchen floor, countertops and cabinets, along with a bloody steak knife and spoon, the statement says. The victim told officers that she tried to keep her daughter from leaving in her vehicle, and after they went back into the house, her daughter stabbed her in the face with a knife and a spoon.

Ritchie allegedly told officers that she aimed for her mother’s eye in an attempt to kill her, and that she knew the assault was illegal.

Ritchie was in the Cole County Jail on Friday without bond. No hearings have been set.

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Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One person was hurt after a crash in Southeast Columbia on Friday morning.

Columbia police confirmed the crash happened at 8:20 a.m. on Southbound Highway 63.

A Boone County Joint Communication alert went out minutes later that Highway 63 southbound at the Discovery Parkway onramp was closed due to the crash.

ABC 17 News photographer saw a red car in the ditch on the side of the highway.

At least five Columbia police vehicles were seen parked temporarily on the highway.

Sgt. Chris Hobbs with the Columbia Police Department told ABC 17 News on scene that the passenger of the car was taken to the hospital.

The man was reported to have moderate injuries.

Columbia Fire assisted police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol at the scene.

The scene was cleared at 9:40 a.m.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The No. 22 Tennessee Lady Volunteers made quick work of the Mizzou women’s basketball team on Thursday.

The Tigers suffered a road loss in the form of a 98-53 Southeastern Conference romp by the Lady Volunteers.

Tennessee (16-6, 8-2 SEC) jumped out to a 29-13 lead after the opening quarter and stretched its advantage to a staggering 53-22 at halftime. The Volunteers outscored the Tigers 23-12 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 76-34.

The Tigers made just four of their 23 3-point attempts and went just 30% (16-of-54) from the floor. Junior guard Grace Slaughter led Mizzou with 20 points, while junior guard Shannon Dowel scored 11.

Senior forward Janiah Barker directed the Lady Volunteers with a game-high 22 points as Tennessee went 52% (39-of-75) from the field. Junior guard Talaysia Cooper totaled 17 points, junior guard Alyssa Latham put up 15, senior guard Nya Robertson had 14 and freshman guard Deniya Prawl came up with 13.

Prawl and freshman guard Jaida Civil pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds apiece as the Lady Volunteers dominated the Tigers on the boards 49-30.

Mizzou committed 21 turnovers on Thursday compered to Tennessee’s 10.

The Tigers (16-11, 4-8) host Auburn at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at Mizzou Arena.

Check back for updates.

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Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia, Missouri, man who was deported to the Netherlands after more than four months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody says he endured overcrowded, unsanitary and inhumane conditions at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas — a place he described as “the most horrific” he has ever seen.

Owen Ramsingh on Thursday posted on Facebook for the first time since returning to the Netherlands early Sunday morning. Ramsingh was a longtime green card holder who was detained in September after attempting to re-enter the United States following a trip to visit family in the Netherlands. ICE cited drug convictions from Ramsingh’s youth as the reason for his detainment.

Ramsingh’s social media post described the death of a 55-year-old man whom Ramsingh claimed was shackled, handcuffed and strangled by personnel from Akima Security, the private contractor operating the facility. Ramsingh claimed officials characterized the incident as a suicide in statements to the press and law enforcement. 

“Akima security ran the facility and was very unprofessional. These security guys were making bets on us on committing suicide, they were using excessive force on detainees, they even killed a 55-year-old man,” Ramsingh wrote.

On Jan. 3, Cuban immigrant Geraldo Lunas Campos was found dead in the camp, which El Paso County’s medical examiner ruled a homicide on Jan. 21. 

Ramsingh told ABC 17 News in a message that it was the same incident that he described in his post, saying that Campos was attacked by Akima Security’s disturbance control team, who later tried to say it was a suicide. 

According to an autopsy report from the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner, obtained by ABC 17 News through KVIA News, Lunas Campos “was witnessed to become unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement.” Emergency medical services were called and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

ME Case 26-0007 Geraldo Lunas CamposDownload

The report found hemorrhaging in the neck muscles and connective tissues, as well as petechial hemorrhages in the eyelids and neck skin.

“Based on the investigative and examination findings, it is my opinion that the cause of death is asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. The manner of death is homicide,” the medical examiner wrote.

Following the release of the autopsy report, El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson called for a “full, independent investigation” into Lunas Campos’ death. 

ICE said Lunas Campos was arrested July 14 in Rochester, New York, and transferred to El Paso on Sept. 6. Officials claimed he had prior criminal convictions, including weapon possession, sexual contact with a child under 11, reckless driving and drug-related offenses.

The Camp East Montana facility has faced repeated allegations of inhumane conditions and inadequate oversight. ABC 17 News has reached out to Akima for comment regarding Ramsingh’s allegations and the medical examiner’s findings.

Lunas Campos’ death on Jan. 3 was one of at least three reported at the facility since it opened in August.

Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan immigrant, died Jan. 14. ICE said his death was a presumed suicide. Two detainees were reportedly prevented from being deported so they could be interviewed after seeing Diaz the day he died. It is unclear whether an autopsy has been completed.

The first reported death involved 48-year-old Guatemalan immigrant Francisco Gaspar Cristóbal Andrés, who died Dec. 3 of liver and kidney failure, according to ICE.

Ramsingh alleged discrimination against English-speaking detainees from security, writing that about 90% of the facility’s security staff was Hispanic. 

The Camp East Montana facility has a projected capacity of 5,000 detainees and held about 3,250 people as of Dec. 19, according to ICE.

Ramsingh wrote he spent four and a half months living in a 38-by-78-foot pod with 72 other detainees. The space included five toilets, six showers, two televisions, two cameras and five six-seat tables.

“These pods where we were detained were very filthy; full of bugs all over the showers and toilet and throughout the pod and facility,” Ramsingh wrote. “We were served 3 meals a day about 12oz each meal they were very small and we starved. There was no commissary or any access to any other foods it was just enough to survive we had to eat either in our beds or by the restrooms that smelled very bad. People blew their noses in the sinks spit on the floors all over the showers and bathrooms it was disgusting. Some people were taking showers with no shower shoes which lead to infections on their feet.” 

He said recreation time was limited to a small outdoor area he described as resembling a “dog kennel,” surrounded by low barbed wire that detainees could easily come into contact with.

Sleep was difficult, he added, because of what he described as “screaming and hollering each and every night.”

Ramsingh also alleged inadequate medical care, saying he was sick for weeks without medication or treatment. He described shortages of basic supplies such as shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant, and said he had to hand-wash his clothes because the facility could not keep up with laundry demands.

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Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Parents are raising concerns after the United Way’s United Cerebral Palsy Heartland approved a 45% tuition increase at its Columbia Child Development Center over the next two years.

According to a letter from UCP Heartland shared to ABC 17 News by a parent, who wishes to stay anonymous to avoid impacts to their child’s care, starting April 1, 2026, tuition rates will increase by 25% and raise another 20% on Jan. 1, 2027. The letter was received by families on Monday.

“We have budgeted for the typical annual increase but were completely taken by surprise when we opened our letter,” said the concerned parent in a statement to ABC 17 News. “This is one of a very few number of centers that accepts these kids. Where are they going to go if they don’t qualify for assistance?”

The parent wished not to be identified out of concerns over possible impacts to their child care.

The Child Development Center provides child care for children with ranging disabilities.

“There are families who have been with UCP for 5-8 years and are now faced with the decision to pay an additional $3K – $8K a year for the same service or uproot their child’s safe space and sense of community,” the parent wrote.

The letter shows the Child Development Center charges weekly rates, with current costs sitting at:

Infants (0 to 1-year-olds): $305/ per week.

Red room (1 to 2-year-olds): $305/ per week.

Blue room (2 to 3-year-olds): $250/ per week.

Yellow room (3 to 4-year olds): $235/ per week.

School age (5+ years): $110/ per week.

In April those rates will increase to:

Infants and Red room: $381.25/per week.

Blue room: $312.50/per week.

Yellow room: $293.75/per week.

School age: $137.50/per week.

In January 2027, the rates will increase to:

Infants and Red room: $457.50/per week.

Blue room: $375/per week.

Yellow room: $352.50/per week.

School age: $165/per week.

A second parent, who wishes to remain anonymous due to avoid impacts to their children’s care, told ABC 17 News she has two children enrolled at Child Development Center and with the looming tuition increase, her family has had to look at other options for child care.

“It’s a daunting task to be put on so short notice,” the parent said.

She went on to explain how the current tuition costs already take a toll on her family.

“It’s definitely affected us growing our family more,” the parent said. “Being able to move to a better neighborhood, being able to take a holiday together.”

In the letter, UCP Heartland cited low enrollment numbers and low tuition revenue over several years as the reason for the increase. The letter goes onto say UCP Heartland believes that the increase in tuition costs will help ensure long-term sustainability.

UCP Heartland’s Interim President and CEO Jane Kaiser echoed similar sentiments in a statement to ABC 17 News.

“We’re experiencing rising costs for staffing and operations, and this adjustment simply brings our pricing in line with what we believe to be industry standards,” the statement reads.

The organization said in its letter to parents that all currently enrolled children may remain enrolled until they transition to kindergarten. Scholarships are also available for children with medically diagnosed disabilities if the financial need exists, according to the letter.

The second parent ABC 17 News spoke with says her family makes just enough to not qualify for federal assistance programs, so she is unsure of what scholarships her children could qualify for. She said there has been little to no communication from UCP about the scholarships offered or how to apply. Regardless the increased costs go far beyond what her family can afford.

“There’s definitely not another $1,200 a month in our budget just for childcare,” she said.

She also said she was confused about the reasoning UCP provide for the tuition increase being low revenue and enrollment. The parent noted no concerns over finances had been expressed by the organization in the four years her children have attended.

“The previous daycare director even reached out talking about that they were trying to expand,” she said.

The nonprofit wants to focus on boosting its enrollment in 2026. Kaiser said UCP Heartland’s top priority is providing high-quality and inclusive care for Columbia families.

Both parents told ABC 17 News that UCP’s corporate offices have yet to return their phone calls and emails with questions about the rate increase.

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