On the night of February 19, 2023, a violent disturbance unfolded at a residence in Edwards, Missouri, involving family members that resulted in a fatal shooting. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Camden County Communications received a 911 call from the scene near State Road FF and Pine Cove Road. During the brief open line, a voice was heard pleading, 'Put the gun down...
Alex, put the gun down,' followed by the sounds of a physical struggle before the call abruptly disconnected.
Upon arriving at the rural property, deputies and emergency medical personnel discovered 56-year-old Eric L. Cantrell lying on the living room floor of a camper. He had sustained a gunshot wound and, despite lifesaving efforts by responders, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, a female family member, was found in the residence suffering from a gunshot injury to her abdomen. She was treated by paramedics and subsequently airlifted to a regional hospital for urgent medical care.
Detectives at the scene encountered 19-year-old Alexander O. Cantrell-King, a relative of both victims. He initially claimed to investigators that he had been outside when he heard a gunshot and entered the camper to find the female victim holding a. 30-30 rifle with Eric Cantrell lying on the floor. He alleged that he wrestled the firearm away from the woman, causing it to accidentally discharge and strike her.
This version of events was quickly contradicted during the investigation. While being transported for medical treatment, the surviving female victim identified Alexander Cantrell-King as the shooter. Physical evidence collected at the scene supported her account and disproved the narrative provided by the suspect. Authorities determined that the 19-year-old had shot Eric Cantrell and then the female victim during the altercation.
Following the investigation, Alexander O. Cantrell-King was arrested and transported to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. He was held without bond and charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree domestic assault, and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the death of Eric Cantrell and the shooting of the female victim.
