On December 19, 2018, the community of Columbia, Missouri, was shaken by the violent death of Chase O'Neal Hayes, a 30-year-old male resident known for his vibrant presence and multifaceted interests. The Wednesday afternoon incident involved a shooting that left Hayes with critical injuries, ultimately leading to his passing. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene following reports of gunfire, marking the beginning of a homicide investigation into the circumstances that cut his life
short.
Born in Columbia, Hayes was a well-known figure locally, having attended Hickman High School before carving out a career as a chef in several area restaurants. Beyond his culinary work, he was a man of diverse passions who expressed himself through music as a rapper and maintained a keen interest in fashion and automobiles. He was also an avid dog breeder, taking particular pride in raising American Bullies, including a prized dog he named Fendi. His personal life was centered around his family, including his three sons—Chase Jr., Ami, and Yoji—and he was expecting the arrival of a fourth child at the time of his death.
Following the shooting, the Columbia Police Department launched an inquiry to uncover the events leading up to the tragedy. While initial reports confirmed the nature of the incident as a homicide resulting from gun violence, public records and available updates have not detailed the apprehension of a specific suspect or the filing of formal charges in immediate connection with his murder. The investigation was categorized as active in the period following the event, with authorities and crime stopper organizations appealing to the public for any information that could assist in resolving the case.
