NEOSHO, Mo. —
A Goodman man has been sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for the 2010 shooting of his brother-in-law.
Terry Smith, 38, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder in the Dec. 12, 2010, shooting of Steven Todd Gunn, 44.
The shooting took place during an argument between Smith and his sister, Lisa, who was Gunn’s wife.
Smith told investigators he argued with his sister and Gunn intervened. Smith said he pulled a pistol from the pocket of his coveralls.
Lisa Gunn told investigators Smith confronted her in the couple’s bedroom. The men struggled over the gun Smith pulled and it discharged. The shot struck Gunn under the chin and he died instantly.
The shooting happened in the Gunns’ home at 12331 Sorrel Road, outside of Goodman.
Newton County Prosecutor Jake Skouby said the second-degree murder charge was based on the felony murder rule in that Gunn was killed during the commission of another felony by Smith, unlawful use of a weapon. Skouby said the sentencing range on the charge is 10 to 30 years.
Judge Kevin Selby accepted the guilty plea and imposed the sentence, giving Smith credit for time served since 2010.
Crime & Courts
Goodman man who shot relative sentenced to 20 years in prison
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