Attorney General's News Release

July 1, 2010

Attorney General Koster Douglas County jury convicts man on 3 felony counts

Jefferson City, Mo. -- Attorney General Chris Koster said today a Douglas County jury has convicted Robert L. Thieman, 60, of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon, all felonies.

Koster said Thieman shot his neighbor and friend of 30 years, David Reed, 62, on July 5, 2005.  Reed was awakened on the night of the shooting by family members who heard Thieman shouting and shooting on his property.  Fearing Thieman might be injured, Reed drove to the defendant's property to check on him.  When he arrived, Thieman began shooting into the car and hit Reed, who sustained permanent and disabling injuries.

Koster said Thieman claimed self defense because he thought Reed was going to run over him because of altercations he had with Reed's son.  Evidence showed that Thieman had consumed a quantity of alcohol and that he admitted having fired his guns earlier because his 18 dogs had been disturbed by noise from Reed's children and visitors earlier that night.

Theiman is currently being held without bond while he awaits a September 7 sentencing date.  He faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison.