On August 17, 2017, a violent confrontation unfolded at the Sunset Village Trailer Park, located just west of Sedalia, Missouri, which ultimately claimed the life of 28-year-old Leon Thomas Hinckley. A resident of Windsor, Missouri, Leon had been visiting the area when he was approached by two individuals in what authorities later described as a robbery attempt.
Witnesses reported seeing two men—one armed with a rifle and the other with a handgun—confront Leon and demand that he empty his pockets. During the encounter, the situation escalated, and Leon was shot multiple times. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 12:50 p.m. and transported him to Bothwell Regional Health Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement launched an investigation that quickly identified two suspects. The first suspect, Branden Lee Hendren, a 23-year-old man from Independence, Missouri, was arrested on August 24, 2017. Investigators determined that Hendren had been the individual wielding the rifle and was responsible for firing the fatal shots. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and first-degree robbery.
The second suspect, Ronald Maurice Cage, a 29-year-old from Kansas City, evaded capture for several months. Authorities eventually located and arrested him on November 2, 2017, after he was identified by Kansas City police during an unrelated incident. Cage was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, stealing a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The investigation revealed that the two men had fled the trailer park in a four-door passenger car immediately after the shooting.
As the legal proceedings moved forward, both defendants entered guilty pleas, avoiding jury trials. In November 2018, Branden Hendren pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action. As part of his plea agreement, he was sentenced to 42 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections—receiving consecutive terms of 30 years for the murder charge and 12 years for the armed criminal action. Ronald Cage also pleaded guilty to his role in the crime, including charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery, and awaited sentencing shortly after Hendren’s conviction.
Leon Hinckley’s death was a profound loss for his community and family. Known for his love of music, drawing, and the outdoors, he was remembered as a protective friend with a bright spirit. Tragically, he left behind a daughter who had been born just two weeks prior to his murder. His family, including his mother and grandparents, expressed their grief and later gave their blessing to the plea agreements that brought the legal case to a close.
