On the evening of July 14, 2024, a violent confrontation unfolded at a residence in the 8400 block of Greenwood Road in Raytown, Missouri, claiming the life of Alice Marie Darge, a 34-year-old White female. Officers from the Raytown Police Department were dispatched to the home shortly before 6:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Darge suffering from a gunshot wound to her midsection.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, she succumbed to her injuries. Before her death, however, she was able to speak with authorities and identified her assailant as Zachary Turley, a man with whom she had reportedly been in a relationship.
Witnesses at the scene provided investigators with a harrowing account of the events leading up to the tragedy. An argument between Darge and Turley had escalated, moving from the house into the garage area. One witness reported hearing Turley attempt to leave, followed by Darge, who opened the door and asked him if he was serious. Turley allegedly responded that he was indeed serious before firing a single shot that struck her in the stomach. He then fled the scene in a blue Ford Explorer Sport Trac. It was later revealed by witnesses that the conflict had been brewing, with reports indicating Turley had attempted to set Darge's vehicle on fire just a day prior to the shooting.
Following the incident, law enforcement launched a search for the 28-year-old suspect. The vehicle used in the flight was eventually located at the home of Turley's parents in Kansas City. A search of that residence yielded ammunition consistent with the shell casing found at the crime scene, though the weapon itself was not immediately recovered. Turley's family indicated to police that he had returned home looking pale and stating he needed to leave town. He remained at large for a week until July 21, 2024, when he was recognized at a gas station and subsequently arrested by police without incident.
Prosecutors in Jackson County charged Zachary Turley with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. During his initial court proceedings, his bond was set at $150,000, with a later modification allowing for a percentage to be posted for release under house arrest with GPS monitoring. Those who knew the victim remembered her as a devoted mother of two and a creative spirit who loved abstract art and films. Friends described her as a loyal and supportive presence who was working hard to turn her life around before it was abruptly ended.
