On a cold December evening in Springfield, Missouri, a tragic series of events unfolded, leaving two people dead and a community searching for answers. On December 28, 2022, police were called to check on a man with facial injuries. They found 30-year-old Deundrea Woods in a driveway on North Link Avenue, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
As officers investigated the scene, they learned that Woods was
associated with a nearby residence. Upon approaching the home, they discovered an infant inside, seemingly alone. Concerned for the child's welfare, they entered the residence. Inside, they made a grim discovery: the body of 25-year-old Mackenzie Lashley-Childers, who had also been shot multiple times. The infant was taken to a hospital for minor injuries and was later released to a family member.
The Springfield Police Department immediately launched a double homicide investigation into the deaths of Deundrea Woods and Mackenzie Lashley-Childers. In the initial stages of the investigation, authorities announced that no suspect had been identified. Months later, the case remained unsolved, with detectives reportedly facing challenges due to a lack of forthcoming witnesses. The families of the victims have publicly pleaded for anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for their loved ones. As of the latest available reports, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to seek information from the public.
