Cole County grand jury indicts three on murder charges
JEFFERSON CITY - A Cole County grand jury has indicted three men accused in a Jefferson City murder.
The grand jury filed indictments March 25 against 25-year-old Vincent Smith, 23-year-old Robert Burks of Jefferson City and 18-year-old Charles Thompson of St. Louis. Jefferson City Police arrested the three men February 18 in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Johnny Evans. The grand jury indicted Smith on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and armed criminal action.
Court documents say Smith admitted to kicking in the door of Evans' home with the intention only to rob him, and that Smith got scared and ran out of the home when he heard a gunshot. The documents say Smith claims Thompson fired the fatal shot at Evans.
Reports also said Smith named Robert Burks as the driver to and from the incident. Smith also said Burks had an infant child in the car during the robbery.
Police said Evans was at his home February 15 in the 1100 block East High Street when Smith and Thompson forced entry into his home with the intention to rob him. During confrontation with Evans, police said, Thompson pulled a .380 handgun on Evans and shot him twice.
Police said Smith and Thompson fled the scene in a getaway car driven by Burks.
Evans ran to his neighbor's home after he was shot and his neighbor called 9-1-1. Evans collapsed and was unconscious before police arrived. Evans was then transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Investigators said they found evidence which showed Smith, Burks and Thompson were responsible.
Smith's arraignment is scheduled for April 21.