Deputies were called in reference to a verbal domestic disturbance. After making contact with the caller at a nearby residence, four deputies and a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper arrived at the home about 6:33 p.m. and were met by an intoxicated male with a shotgun. Officers ordered the man to put down the weapon, but he fired at them, and they shot and killed him.
Victim's Name: Jay P. Messer
Agency Responsible: Pettis County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol
Gender: Male
Age: 58
Race: White
Date of Death: November 5, 2019
County: Pettis
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Not fleeing
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 5168
Geography: Rural