On September 5, 2022, police officers in Monett, Missouri, responded to a distress call at a residence on the 400 block of Second Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of 50-year-old male Robert Creekmore lying in the street outside his home. The victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Law enforcement secured the scene and immediately detained a suspect who was present at the location and identified as the victim's son, Michael Lee Creekmore.
The
investigation revealed that a domestic altercation had occurred between the father and son prior to the shooting. Michael Creekmore, who was 27 years old at the time of the incident, allegedly told investigators that he had argued with his father after waking up. He claimed that the dispute escalated physically, alleging that Robert had attempted to kick and punch him outside the residence. Michael stated that during this confrontation, he drew a Zigana PX-9 9mm pistol from his waistband and discharged every round in the magazine, shooting his father a total of 19 times. Officers noted that the firearm held 18 rounds in the clip plus one in the chamber, all of which were fired.
Michael Creekmore was arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. During the legal proceedings, the defense presented arguments centered on self-defense and a history of alleged abuse within the home. However, the prosecution maintained that the response was disproportionate and premeditated. Following a three-day trial at the Barry County Justice Center in late July 2024, the jury deliberated for nearly three hours before returning a guilty verdict on both counts. Michael Creekmore was convicted on July 31, 2024, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for September of that same year.
