In the early morning hours of October 10, 2019, Crue Don Ridenoure, a 30-year-old male from Willow Springs, Missouri, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. A 911 call around 7:00 a.m. reported a man injured on Highway W and Highway 17 in the Midvale community. Before succumbing to his injuries, Ridenoure identified his attacker to first responders as Michael Nugent. He was transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that Nugent had been angry with Ridenoure and had planned the attack. Witnesses stated that the two men were seen in an altercation at approximately 6:50 a.m. that morning. Earlier, Nugent had been released from the county jail after being bonded out by an acquaintance. During the car ride from the jail, Nugent expressed his intent to get even with Ridenoure. Law enforcement located. 45-caliber shell casings at the scene, and it was discovered that Nugent had recently purchased a handgun of the same caliber.
Michael A. Nugent, 24, of Houston, Missouri, was arrested on October 17, 2019. He was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. In a bench trial on October 29, 2021, Nugent was found guilty of all charges. In January 2022, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nugent has since filed an appeal to overturn his conviction. A civil judgment of $10 million was also awarded to Ridenoure's three children, his father, and the estate of his mother.
