On November 1, 2018, a violent disturbance erupted at a residence on East Locust Street in Springfield, Missouri, claiming the life of 38-year-old male Steven Ray Marler Jr. The incident began after a dispute involving household living arrangements escalated into a deadly confrontation. Luis Perez, a man who had recently been evicted from the home by his roommates, returned to the property with the intent of retaliating against those he believed had wronged him.
According to
investigators, Perez arrived at the residence accompanied by an accomplice, Aaron Anderson. Witnesses and evidence presented later in court revealed that Perez, fueled by anger over his eviction, opened fire on the occupants of the house. Steven Marler and another resident, 23-year-old Aaron 'Joshua' Hampton, were struck by the gunfire and sustained fatal injuries. Two other individuals present at the scene were also shot and suffered serious injuries but ultimately survived the attack. The violence did not end there; the following day, Perez shot and killed Sabrina Starr, a 21-year-old woman who had reportedly provided him with the weapon used in the initial shootings.
Law enforcement officers quickly identified Luis Perez and Aaron Anderson as the primary suspects. Authorities learned that Perez had traveled to Springfield from New Jersey and had been staying at the home for a short time before being asked to leave. Following a manhunt, both men were apprehended and taken into custody. Prosecutors charged Perez with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Marler, Hampton, and Starr, along with multiple counts of assault and armed criminal action. Anderson was charged as an accomplice for his role in the attack on the East Locust Street home.
The legal proceedings culminated years later, delivering justice for the victims' families. In October 2022, a jury found Luis Perez guilty on all counts, including the three murder charges. During the sentencing hearing in January 2023, the court handed down five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would remain incarcerated for the remainder of his life. Aaron Anderson, who cooperated to some extent but admitted to his involvement, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. He received two consecutive life sentences, though his plea agreement allowed for the possibility of parole.
