Teen Faces Charges in Liberty Shooting as Father of Three Makes Recovery Strides
A disturbing incident unfolded in Liberty, Missouri, as Duane French, a father of three, was shot in a parking lot near 152 Highway and 291 Highway. The alleged shooter, an 18-year-old identified as Parker Jones-Meinders, now faces charges related to the shooting, leaving the community in shock and raising concerns about safety.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, as Duane and his wife, Joan French, were taking a break from repairing their car. They found a spot to wait for a ride when a car approached them at a slow pace. Suddenly, a person inside the car requested money, leading to an altercation that escalated when Jones-Meinders allegedly fired a weapon, injuring Duane French.
Duane expressed the intensity of the pain he is experiencing, stating, “Breathing has become quite challenging for me.” Despite the pain, he remains grateful for surviving the incident, emphasizing the impact on his family.
Joan recounted the distressing encounter, revealing that the alleged shooter claimed to be dying but refused to believe him. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as Jones-Meinders reportedly confessed to being the one who shot Duane during an interview with detectives. According to charging documents, Jones-Meinders claimed he had no knowledge of the gun being loaded.
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Jones-Meinders faces charges of assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. During his initial court appearance, a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The court set his bail at $250,000, and his next hearing is scheduled for January 16th.
Joan expressed her relief at the suspect’s apprehension, acknowledging the swift action taken by authorities. She also emphasized the senselessness of the act, stating, “It’s disheartening to think that this act was without reason. The fact that my husband couldn’t provide him with money doesn’t justify his decision to shoot someone.”
Liberty Police Captain Matt Kellogg praised the teamwork that led to Jones-Meinders’ arrest. The collaborative efforts of Liberty Police and the officer patrolling the area played a crucial role in swiftly bringing the alleged shooter into custody.
Kellogg acknowledged the dedication of the detectives, saying, “We put in a lot of effort, and I believe our detectives are currently feeling a sense of accomplishment for the time they dedicated to it.”
While Jones-Meinders remains in custody, questions linger about the motive and the potential consequences of an altercation that left a father injured. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for community safety and the importance of swift and effective law enforcement responses to ensure public well-being.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, hoping for justice for Duane French and his family.
