On December 5, 2015, a violent tragedy unfolded in Moberly, Missouri, involving a long-time resident of the community. Vickye Lesta Head, a 77-year-old female, was found deceased in the home she shared with her husband. The investigation began under unusual circumstances when her husband, Vernon Edwin Head, entered a business in nearby Huntsville, Missouri, on a Saturday morning.
Witnesses at the business reported that the 81-year-old man appeared disoriented and confused as he informed an employee that his wife had been shot.
Law enforcement officers from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to the couple's residence on County Road 2230 following the husband's disturbing statement. Upon entering the home, deputies discovered Vickye Head’s body and confirmed she had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The scene prompted an immediate homicide investigation, and authorities detained Vernon Head for questioning. At the time of the incident, neighbors described the couple as well-known in the area, often seen riding horses together, but some acquaintances noted that the husband had recently shown signs of declining mental health, possibly related to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Prosecutors quickly moved forward with charges against Vernon Head. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Vickye’s death. He was held on a $100,000 bond while the legal process commenced. The case, however, would never reach a verdict. Vernon Edwin Head passed away nearly two years later on November 20, 2017, at the University of Missouri Hospital at the age of 83. His death brought an inconclusive end to the criminal proceedings regarding the murder of his wife.
