Clinton murder suspect thought to be in Bates County overnight

A man shot to death in Clinton last night put local authorities on high alert as it was believed the suspect might have been in Bates County for a short time. Clinton Mo. police said Jason Eugene Abernathy, 34, was shot to death at about 10:15 p.m. and three people fled the scene in a black 1999 Cadillac Deville with a torn vinyl top and Missouri tags FD9H1Z. 


The vehicle tags showed the car to be registered to Cornell Anthony Cornelius and it was thought Cornelius and two others might have fled to Fort Scott, Ks. through Bates County.

If you have any information, call the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 660-679-3232.