In a quiet trailer park just outside Sedalia, Missouri, the life of 21-year-old Cassandra Lynn White was tragically cut short on the evening of January 9, 2018. Known affectionately as 'Cassie,' the young mother's world revolved around her two small children, a toddler and an infant. That night, the sound of gunshots pierced the neighborhood, leading to a devastating discovery. Deputies who responded to a call about a person with gunshot wounds found Cassandra deceased inside her home.
Miraculously, her baby was found on the couch beside her, and her toddler was in a bedroom; neither of the children was physically harmed. The front glass door of the trailer had been shattered by gunfire.
The investigation into the violent death of the young woman quickly focused on a suspect. Authorities arrested 19-year-old Noah Kelliker in connection with the shooting. At the time of his arrest, investigators noted what appeared to be dried blood on his shirt. Kelliker was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that marijuana was found inside the trailer, and Cassandra's boyfriend faced charges for drug possession.
The case against Noah Kelliker proceeded to trial, where he was found guilty of second-degree murder in January 2019. In the wake of his conviction, Kelliker’s defense attorney filed a motion for a new trial. The basis for this request was the assertion that a juror had provided church-related services at the Pettis County Jail where Kelliker was being held and may have had undisclosed knowledge about him, potentially compromising the juror's impartiality. However, this motion was ultimately denied.
In March 2019, Noah Kelliker was sentenced for his role in the death of Cassandra White. He received a life sentence for the second-degree murder conviction. In addition to this, he was handed two concurrent 15-year sentences for armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. Despite the conviction and sentencing, Kelliker maintained his innocence and intended to appeal the court's decision.
