On September 18, 2022, a fatal shooting occurred at a residence on Pipeline Road in Washington County near Sullivan, Missouri, claiming the life of 38-year-old Randall James Hanks. The incident took place at a property where the victim lived with his father, Curtis Hanks, and his uncle. According to reports from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, a verbal altercation broke out between Randall and his uncle, William Dean Hanks, which escalated into violence outside the home they
shared.
During the argument, William Hanks allegedly opened fire on his nephew while Randall was standing on the porch. Investigators stated that Randall was unarmed at the time the shooting began. It was reported that William fired his pistol until it was empty, striking Randall in the chest and abdomen. After sustaining the gunshot wounds, Randall managed to retrieve his own firearm, which he had previously set on a table next to the house, and retreated to a nearby cabin on the property. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries inside the cabin.
Authorities arrested 56-year-old William Dean Hanks in connection with the death. He was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Washington County Jail and held on a $1 million bond. Law enforcement officials noted that the dispute appeared to be domestic in nature, occurring within the close quarters of the family's shared living arrangement.
