Sherri Laws, a 52-year-old woman from Keytesville, entered a plea of not guilty to second-degree murder charges stemming from an alleged shooting incident in Keytesville in January. The plea was made during her appearance in Chariton County Court on July 6th.
According to online court information, Laws waived formal arraignment, and a setting or disposition has been scheduled for September 7th.
In addition to the second-degree murder charge, Laws is facing multiple felony charges, including armed criminal action, delivery of a controlled substance, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution.
Another individual involved in the alleged shooting is James Michael Johnson Senior, a 50-year-old resident of Keytesville. Johnson is facing charges of second-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, delivery of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit a felony exceeding 10 years. His setting or disposition is scheduled for July 11th.
The Missouri Highway Patrol had previously reported that the charges were filed after 38-year-old Jacob Abney of Grandview was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson was also injured by gunshots and was initially taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia.
The investigation into the incident began when deputies from Chariton County were dispatched to a Keytesville residence in response to an altercation.
