On the morning of New Year's Eve, 2023, a domestic disturbance at a residence on Dodson Road in Troy, Missouri, ended in tragedy with the shooting death of 16-year-old Matthew Arthur Robinson, a White male. The Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call around 10:30 a.m. and discovered the teenager with a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Matthew was a student at New Horizons High School in Troy.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, five individuals who were present in the house were taken in for questioning by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Authorities did not publicly disclose the relationships between these individuals or the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. The gun's origin was also not immediately made public. As the investigation began, the community mourned the loss, leaving a small memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and a cross with his name at a nearby signpost. The Lincoln County R-III School District made crisis counselors available to support students and staff affected by the sudden loss of a classmate.
As the investigation progressed, Matthew's family, including his older sister Jillian Stephens and aunt Tammy Kirkendoll, publicly grieved and called for justice. They remembered him as a fun-loving young man who enjoyed fishing with his father and spending time with family and friends. More than a month after the incident, the family expressed frustration over the lack of information and the fact that no charges had been filed. The Lincoln County Sheriff assured the family and the public that a thorough investigation was being conducted.
Ultimately, the case was presented to a grand jury. The grand jury ruled that the shooting of Matthew Arthur Robinson was an act of self-defense. Following this ruling, the Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney's office was expected to make a final decision on whether any charges would be filed in connection with the death.
