Wednesday, October 21, 2026
IDENTITY RELEASED OF MAN SHOT AND KILLED BY DEPUTY IN BUTLER COUNTY
An investigation continues into an officer involved shooting over the weekend in Butler County.
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the Stringtown area shortly after 3 pm Sunday afternoon.
According to Sheriff Dobbs, the first responding deputy was confronted by a male subject armed with a rifle.
The deputy opened fire after the man allegedly refused to stop pointing the weapon at him. Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the man, identified as 57 year old James Leyden, died as a result of his injuries.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is conducting the investigation into the shooting.
MISSING MAN FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING 11 DAY SEARCH
Authorities recovered the body of a missing Ripley County man Monday afternoon.
Ripley County Sheriff Rad Talburt tells KWOC News that they found the body of Michael Payne, who had been missing for 11 days.
Talburt said Payne’s body was located on a farm near M Highway and Highway 160 at approximately 4 pm on Monday and no foul play is suspected at this time.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department used drones during the search, which ultimately helped authorities locate Payne.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has been brought in to assist with the investigation, and an autopsy will be performed.
Sheriff Talburt is asking the public to respect the privacy of Payne’s family during this difficult time.
ALABAMA MAN SENTENCED FOR PHARMACY BURGLARY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An Alabama man has been sentenced to over four years in prison for his role in the burglary of a Kennett pharmacy.
On Tuesday, a US District Judge ordered 32 year old Cornelius Bray, of Birmingham, Alabama, to spend 57 months in prison and pay $2,174 in restitution to the pharmacy.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Bray was the driver for 32 year old David Jerome Evans, also of Birmingham, who broke into the pharmacy in March of 2025. The men stole 16,800 pills, including 7,500 hydrocodone pills and 7,500 pills containing benzodiazepine drugs.
Both Bray and Evans pleaded guilty to one count of intent to steal a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone. Evans was previously sentenced to 78 months in prison.
THREE ADDITIONAL JAIL EMPLOYEES FIRED IN CONNECTION TO INVESTIGATION OF INMATE DEATH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Updating a story we have been following for you, more employees at a Northeast Arkansas jail have been fired in connection to the investigation of an inmate's death last month.
Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder tells KWOC News that on September 22, 18 year old Atiyanna Willis died after experiencing a medical emergency in the Greene County Detention Center.
Earlier this month, Sheriff Snyder said that he also conducted a preliminary review and fired nine jail employees who did not meet the standards set for the jail.
On Monday, Snyder released a video statement on Facebook saying that as the internal investigation continued, they found three more detention center employees that violated department policy and were then terminated.
The Arkansas State Police was requested to conduct an independent investigation which is ongoing and Snyder says he has no further information on that investigation.
POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY TO HOST MEMORY CAFE EVENT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Are you or someone you love experiencing early signs of memory loss or dementia?
Join the Poplar Bluff Library for Memory Café on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ridgel Branch.
The welcoming, relaxed gathering is an opportunity to connect with others in the community who share similar experiences, enjoy conversation, and build meaningful friendships. Caregivers are encouraged to attend, and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact John Dunivan at 573-206-3594.
DONIPHAN ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY
A Doniphan road will be partially closed today for an asphalt overlay.
According to the City of Doniphan Facebook page, the westbound lane of Washington Street will be closed today from the Ripley County Courthouse to the Walnut Street/Highway 142 intersection.
Parking on Washington Street will also be restricted today while crews are working.