Joaquin Roman

Mass Murderer

Joaquin Roman and the 2020 Springfield, Missouri Mass Shooting

Overview

On the night of March 15, 2020, 31-year-old Joaquin S. Roman carried out a brief but deadly shooting rampage in Springfield, Missouri. Roman fired at people and vehicles while driving through the eastern part of the city before crashing outside a Kum & Go convenience store at 2885 East Chestnut Expressway. He then entered the store and continued shooting, killing three civilians and fatally wounding a responding police officer. Four victims were killed and two other people were wounded. Roman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before officers could arrest him. Although investigators examined his personal history, electronic devices, online activity and statements made shortly before the attack, authorities did not establish one definitive motive for the violence.

The Beginning of the Shooting Rampage

The first reports of gunfire were received at approximately 11:24 p.m. on March 15, 2020. Emergency callers described a man driving a black 2019 Volkswagen and firing at vehicles and people in eastern Springfield. Roman reportedly traveled north through the city as additional calls were made to emergency dispatchers. The attacks appeared indiscriminate. Several vehicles were reportedly struck by gunfire, creating a rapidly changing crime scene that extended across multiple streets. Officers attempted to locate the moving gunman while dispatchers continued gathering information from witnesses. Roman was armed with an SKS semiautomatic rifle chambered for 7.62×39mm ammunition and a 9mm Glock semiautomatic pistol. Investigators later determined that both firearms had been legally acquired.

Attack at the Kum & Go Store

At approximately 11:43 p.m., Roman crashed the Volkswagen outside the Kum & Go convenience store on East Chestnut Expressway. He left the damaged vehicle, entered the business and opened fire on the people inside. Three people in the store were killed: employee Troy Rapp, contractor Shannon Perkins and customer Matthew Hicks-Morris. Another employee, Jayme Gilson, was shot multiple times and critically wounded. A person inside the business reportedly escaped Roman's attention by remaining hidden during the attack. Gilson later recalled that Roman spoke during the shooting about feeling disrespected and wanting others to experience pain. This account suggested that Roman was in an extreme state of emotional or psychological disturbance, although his statements did not provide investigators with a complete explanation for why he selected the store or its occupants. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Troy D. Rapp 57 yr old Male

Springfield Kum