Joan Marie Householder, a 49-year-old female, was a resident of Moberly, Missouri, who had built a life in the community after moving from her birthplace in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was employed at the deli department of the local Walmart and was known by those around her for her down-to-earth nature and willingness to help others. At the time of her passing, she was looking forward to the birth of her first granddaughter.
On the afternoon of July 1, 2017, a violent sequence of events
took place at a residence in Moberly. A verbal altercation ensued between Joan and 60-year-old Norman Householder. As the argument escalated, Norman Householder retrieved a 30-06 rifle. Amidst the confrontation, he fired the weapon, striking Joan in the back and causing fatal injuries.
During the incident, Norman Householder also targeted a witness who was present at the scene. He fired a single round at this individual, but the shot missed. Following the attack on Joan and the attempt on the witness, Norman Householder retreated into the residence and turned the firearm on himself, committing suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officers from the Moberly Police Department, along with the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Randolph County Sheriff's deputies, responded to the scene to investigate. The Randolph County Coroner subsequently ruled the deaths a homicide-suicide. Because the sole suspect, Norman Householder, died at the scene, there were no arrests made or criminal charges filed in connection with the case. The investigation was concluded with the determination that Norman Householder was responsible for Joan's death before taking his own life.
