Missouri authorities discovered the body of a woman in a closet following an argument that allegedly turned into a fatal shooting. The incident occurred on April 27, 2024, at a residence in Ray County. Initially, the Lawson Police Department responded, later assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Lawrence Patrick Neary IV was arrested hours after the discovery of the woman’s body.

Neary claimed that during an argument, the victim grabbed his handgun, prompting a struggle. He admitted to firing shots intending to scare her, but the altercation escalated. Neary stated he fired at the victim’s hair or skin but denied intending to cause serious harm. However, investigators found inconsistencies in his account. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds, with five shell casings recovered near her body. Neary faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action and is held at the Ray County Detention Center.