On June 16, 2020, Krista N. McKinnon, a 24-year-old Caucasian female, was found deceased in her Springfield, Missouri, home. Authorities with the Springfield Police Department discovered her body alongside that of her 27-year-old husband, Andre D. McKinnon, after responding to a call for a well-being check at their residence on North Golden Avenue. Both individuals had suffered injuries that were consistent with gunshot wounds.
Investigators have since characterized the event as a murder-suicide.
The investigation into the deaths revealed that Krista had filed for divorce from her husband in April of 2020. Andre McKinnon was officially served with the divorce papers on May 28, just two days after what would have been the couple's third wedding anniversary. A search of court records in Greene County showed no history of domestic violence charges or any orders of protection having been filed by Krista against her husband. Police have confirmed that they are not looking for any suspects and have assured the public that there is no ongoing danger to the community. While the case was thoroughly investigated, law enforcement has not publicly released a motive for the murder-suicide.
Remembered by her family as a devoted and loving mother, Krista's life revolved around her young son, Xavier. Her mother described her as a hardworking and passionate person who enjoyed taking her son to the park, the zoo, and the library. Having moved to Springfield a few years prior to her death, she became actively involved in her community. She worked for an organization called Family Facets, which helps to reunite families, and she was also taking classes to become a foster parent. Her family, including her parents and siblings, remember her as an amazing young woman who will be deeply missed.
