A road rage incident that began on Highway 65 tragically ended in the shooting death of 36-year-old Cody Maples outside the Bee Creek Apartments in Branson, Missouri, on the night of March 14, 2026. The conflict, which started as a traffic dispute, escalated when both vehicles arrived at the apartment complex where, unbeknownst to them, both men involved were residents.
Maples' girlfriend, a passenger in his truck, told investigators that a black van had been driving erratically behind them. The van then passed their truck, pulled in front, and braked abruptly, forcing Maples to stop. According to witness statements, the driver of the van, identified as Michael Froman, got out of his vehicle and began shouting. When Cody Maples exited his own truck to confront Froman, he was shot multiple times. A neighbor who witnessed the aggressive driving also reported hearing three "pops" and then discovered Maples on the ground. Taney County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunfire and found Maples deceased at the scene, with several empty shell casings nearby.
Authorities located the suspect, Michael Froman, at a hospital in Springfield, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to his hand, which investigators believe was self-inflicted. During initial questioning, Froman claimed that Maples' truck had been "being weird" and flashing its lights at him, and then followed him closely. Froman, who did not know Maples, declined to provide further details about the shooting without a lawyer present.
Michael Froman was arrested and has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is currently being held in the Taney County Jail without bond.
