1 arrested, 1 sought in homicide, home invasion

One local man is in custody as authorities continue to search for a second person of interest in connection with an apparent homicide and assault that occurred Tuesday night.

“During the subsequent investigation, two persons of interest were developed,” said Poplar Bluff Police Lt. Josh Stewart.

They are identified as Christopher “Jantzen” Gilmore, 22, and Stacy Gipson, 25, both of Poplar Bluff.

Gipson

Stewart said Gilmore was arrested at about noon at his residence on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. He was booked at the Butler County jail.

The police department is attempting to find Gipson, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

Stewart said Gilmore and Gipson are suspected of an incident, which occurred about 10:30 p.m. at a home in the 100 block of Begley Street, and left Kevin Sanders, 23, and Adriana Lundy, 23, both of Poplar Bluff, with gunshot wounds.

Gilmore and Gipson are alleged to have forcibly entered Sanders’ home by kicking in the door, Stewart said.

“I think their intention was to go in and rob them,” Stewart said. “Initially, they were after money.”

The shooting, Stewart said, “pretty much” took place in the kitchen and a bedroom. There was another woman in the home who reportedly was uninjured.

“All indications at this point are one weapon” was used, Stewart said.

Stewart said Sanders and Lundy were transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where Sanders later was pronounced dead.

Lundy’s injuries were described as serious, but not life threatening, said Stewart, who indicated Lundy was transferred to an out-of-town medical facility for further treatment.

Further details are not being released at this time. No autopsy has been scheduled at this time.

Stewart said Chief Danny Whiteley extended his thanks to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.