On February 1, 2025, the Moberly Police Department initiated a homicide investigation following the violent death of a 37-year-old Black male named Donald Gene Hickem, also known as 'DJ,' in Moberly, Missouri. Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of North Moulton Street during the morning hours after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. Upon their arrival, authorities discovered Hickem unresponsive at the scene, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the response of emergency personnel, he was pronounced deceased, and the Randolph County Coroner subsequently ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
Investigators quickly gathered evidence that led them to identify a primary suspect in the shooting. Authorities named 37-year-old Timothy T. Turner, a resident of Columbia, Missouri, as the individual responsible for Hickem's death. A warrant was issued for Turner's arrest, prompting Moberly law enforcement to coordinate with the Columbia Police Department to locate him. The investigation traced Turner to a residence on Raleigh Drive in Columbia later that same day.
When officers arrived at the Columbia home to apprehend Turner, a tense standoff ensued. Police learned that Turner was inside the residence with an adult female and several children, raising immediate concerns for their safety. Crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with Turner to secure a peaceful surrender, but the situation escalated when he exited the home armed with a knife. Despite repeated commands from law enforcement to drop the weapon and the deployment of less-lethal measures, including a K-9 unit, Turner remained non-compliant and aggressive toward the officers.
The confrontation concluded when members of the Columbia Police Department's SWAT team discharged their firearms, striking Turner. Medical aid was rendered at the scene, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. No arrests were made in connection with Hickem's murder due to the death of the suspect, and four officers involved in the shooting of Turner were subsequently placed on administrative leave pending an internal review.
Gene Hickem was remembered by his community and family as a dedicated worker at the Walmart Distribution Center in Moberly who enjoyed working with his hands. Born in Columbia, he had attended Hickman High School and was known for his close bonds with a group of childhood friends. He left behind two children, his parents, and a sister, with his funeral services later held at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia.
