Attorney General's News Release

January 22, 2013

Attorney General Koster and Polk County Prosecutor successfully prosecute hit-and-run driver of second-degree murder

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster announced that a Benton County jury has found Shannon Shaffer, 39, guilty of second-degree murder for intentionally running over Tommy “Bo” Bryant, 28, last April.

Koster said evidence at the trial showed that Shaffer and Mr. Bryant had been arguing the day Bryant was killed. At approximately 8:30 that night, Bryant was walking toward his residence when Shaffer started his car and drove straight at Bryant. Shaffer’s vehicle struck Bryant and dragged him approximately 80 feet down a gravel driveway before running him over. Bryant died at the scene. Shaffer fled to Springfield, where he was arrested three days later.

Shaffer will be sentenced April 11 in Benton County.

The Attorney General’s Office assisted Polk County Prosecutor Ken Ashlock in the case. The trial was held in Benton County on a change of venue.