In the small community of Canton, Missouri, the evening of April 27, 2017, was shattered by a violent act that ended the life of 56-year-old David L. Brooks. A respected local businessman, assistant fire chief, and first responder, Brooks was a familiar and valued member of the town. That night, however, he was found deceased in his home from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.
Deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a shooting at the residence
at approximately 10:15 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mr. Brooks's body. The investigation into his death quickly focused on a suspect within his own household: his 19-year-old step-son, Cody Wilson. Wilson was taken into custody and subsequently charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the fatal shooting. He was held at the Lewis County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The case against Cody Wilson proceeded to trial, which was moved to Adair County on a change of venue. During the proceedings, details emerged from a probable cause statement indicating that the shooting occurred after a day of arguments between David Brooks and his wife. Wilson reportedly told authorities that he had been napping and was awakened by the continued arguing. He stated that he 'snapped,' retrieved a handgun from his room, and shot his step-father in the couple's bedroom.
Despite this initial statement, the trial took an unexpected turn. In June 2018, after a four-day trial, an Adair County jury found Cody Wilson not guilty on all charges. Following the verdict, Wilson, who had been incarcerated since the night of the shooting, was acquitted of the murder of his step-father. The community was left to grapple with the tragic loss of a dedicated public servant and the complex events that unfolded within his family, culminating in a death that would ultimately see no one held criminally responsible.
