In the quiet town of Freeman, Missouri, a tragic and violent series of events unfolded on the afternoon of August 16, 2024, leading to the untimely death of 27-year-old Brian Spear and his father, Michael Spear. The younger Spear, a man known for his love of the simple pleasures in life like hunting and fishing, was a construction worker who cherished time with his family and friends.
On that fateful Friday, a dispute escalated into a fatal confrontation at an apartment located near Main and Washington streets. Around 1 p.m., deputies from the Cass County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered both Brian and his 47-year-old father, Michael, suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Brian Spear tragically passed away at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville.
The investigation into the double homicide led authorities to 43-year-old Misty M. Stufflebean of Harrisonville. According to court records, Stufflebean, accompanied by Michael and Brian Spear, had gone to the apartment to find a woman who was reportedly involved with one of the Spear men. What transpired next is subject to conflicting accounts. Stufflebean alleged that after they were denied entry and began to leave, shots were fired at them as they returned to their vehicle. However, the occupants of the apartment told investigators that Stufflebean had forced her way into the residence, leading to the deadly confrontation.
Following the incident, another man was questioned by law enforcement but was subsequently released. Misty M. Stufflebean was taken into custody and has since been charged with first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault in connection with the deaths. She is being held without bond at the Cass County Jail as the investigation by the Cass County Sheriff's Office continues.
