Weekend shootings keep police busy

Jefferson City police continue to look for suspects in two fatal shootings that occurred over the weekend.

Detectives have been investigating the shooting death of a 25-year-old Jefferson City male that occurred Sunday night on Ellis Boulevard.

While the initial investigation revealed the shooter, a 23-year-old Jefferson City resident, may be considered a suspect in the case, further details surfaced Monday changing his status to a person of interest. As a person of interest and based on the details, which authorities said could not be revealed due to the ongoing investigation, he was released from custody with no charges.

"This does not preclude charges at a later date, and the investigation is expected to take at least a week to ensure that all leads and other sources of information are documented," according to police spokesman Capt. Doug Shoemaker." There is no reason to believe there is another shooter, nor any danger posed to the public from any 'at large' persons."

Shoemaker said the weapon responsible for the death of the decedent (formerly listed as a victim) is in police custody.

The case will be considered a death investigation until further notice.

Around 10 p.m. officers were called to the Hawthorne Park Apartment Complex (formerly Broadmoor) for a report of multiple shots fired at that location.

Detectives were able to determine the person of interest and the victim knew each other prior to the shooting. The extent of the relationship is under investigation.

The person of interest called 911 and surrendered to police without incident and was cooperative.

Apartments were hit by gunfire prior to this shooting.

Also prior to this shooting, other calls of shots being fired were reported on the west side of town and just outside the city limits, in particular in the 300 block of Arden Drive and the 200 Gateway Drive. Authorities said these reports were unrelated to what occurred on Ellis, and no evidence of anything or anybody getting hit by bullets was found.

Meanwhile, the search for a suspect or suspects in a Saturday shooting that has been classified as a murder is still being sought.

Detectives are seeking assistance from the public for help find the killer of 50-year-old William "Bill" Crawford, who was shot at his residence in the 1900 block of Stadium Boulevard sometime between 8:53 p.m. Friday evening and 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Crawford was killed by a gunshot wound. He was seen on video leaving Schulte's on Friday evening and was not seen since.

Police have worked with the Jefferson City Area CrimeStoppers to obtain a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of Crawford. Anyone with information is encouraged to take advantage of this reward and contact CrimeStoppers at 659-TIPS or report online at jeffcitycrimestoppers.com. Citizens may also contact the Police Department at 634-6400.

The suspect(s) should be considered armed and dangerous.