David Stewart to serve 20 years for murder of Rich Hill man

David A. Stewart

On November 14, 2024 Bates County Deputies were summoned to a rural Rich Hill residence on a report of a subject inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound who was later identified as Jerry Lee McLay, 48.

A review of security camera footage revealed the suspect's vehicle and further investigation confirmed text messages disclosing a meeting between McLay and David Alan Stewart 41, also of Rich Hill, over money owed to McLay.

The video indicated that a short time later Stewart did return to the residence and a gunshot could be heard on the security footage which eventually lead to the arrest of Stewart at his home in Rich Hill.

On September 5th, Stewart was sentenced in the Bates County Circuit Court on 2nd Degree Murder (17 years) and Armed Criminal Action (3 years) for which he will serve a total of 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.