Homicide Investigation in Pittsburg Kansas

MEDIA RELEASE
Homicide Investigation
March 19, 2022
Released by Lt. A. Nance

PITTSBURG, KANSAS – On Saturday, March 19, 2022, at approximately 12:45 AM, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department, and EMT’s with Crawford County EMS, were dispatched to 111 W. Park St., in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a shooting incident that had just occurred. Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim who had received a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old Harold L. Sheets, of Pittsburg. Mr. Sheets was pronounced dead at the scene.

61-year-old Verla L. Gilliland, of Pittsburg, was taken into custody and was transported to the police department for questioning.

Mrs. Gilliland was subsequently placed under arrest for 2nd degree murder and was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

Mrs. Gilliland is being held in lieu of a $150,000.00 bond. It is believed this shooting incident took place during an argument between Mr. Sheets and Mrs. Gilliland.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

Obituary - Sally Jeffries

Sally Jeffries, 56 of Butler, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at her home in Butler. Cremation, with a visitation to be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009). A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, also at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Sally Renee Jeffries was born August 25, 1965 in Mira Loma, California to Ernie and Brenda Hoffman Baker. When Sally was young the family moved to Cass County, Missouri where she attended Harrisonville High School and graduated in 1982. Following high school Sally attended the Nevada School of Nursing and received her LPN in 1985. Sally enjoyed her career as an LPN, caring for others was important to her, on and off the job. She always put the needs of her family and friends first. Family was important to Sally; she was a loving and devoted mother and a very proud grandmother.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Ernie and Brenda Baker, her brothers, Robert Baker, and Billy Hoffman. She is survived by her children, Amber Jeffries, Robert Jeffries, and Ashley Rudder and husband Ronald Rudder, 11 grandchildren, a sister Tina Chisler, brother Charlie Hoffman, sister Kathy Arnold, brother Ernie Burr Baker as well as one aunt and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Rich Hill man injured in Bates County crash

On March 18th around 7:29 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Bates County along with Bates County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a one vehicle accident on Route WW just south of CRSW 10508 in rural Bates County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the 2003 Honda Element driven by 38 year old Edward L. Coonce of Rich Hill, Missouri traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.

Mr. Coonce sustained minor injuries and he was transported by ambulance to Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=220136413

Obituary - Bonnie Marie Hedgpeth

Bonnie Marie Hedgpeth, 90, of Harrisonville, MO passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow in Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO.

A complete obituary will be posted when it is available.

Traffic stop leads to arrest in Linn County Kansas

On March 17, 2022, a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe was stopped on US 69 Highway at the 83-mile marker in Linn County Kansas. The vehicle was stopped for a minor traffic infraction. 

When the Deputy approached the vehicle the distinct odor of marijuana was noticed immediately. Subsequently, the vehicle was searched. 

Several derivates of what is believed to be marijuana were found within the vehicle, along with the suspect drugs over $22,000 in cash was found in the vehicle. Two persons were arrested at the scene. 

They are currently held at the Linn County Jail pending charges. Charge documents will be released once received.

Obituary - David Robert Etterling

My son David was born on August 24, 1957. He brought great joy to us throughout his life. I am so grateful to be his Mom. He grew up in Kansas City and Raytown, Missouri attending Norfleet Elementary and Raytown Junior and Senior High Schools.

David’s interest in music grew and his participation in high school music included solo competition in Warrensburg, Missouri. After graduation he attended the Conservatory of Music at UMKC. He subsequently changed his major which led to a career in the food business.

He enjoyed sports and when he was able, he played golf. Later he became known for his endless baking of cookies and brownies for one and all. All the major companies use his recipes or maybe it is that he used theirs. 😊

David went through many health challenges in mid- life, including losing both legs, but still had a positive and gracious attitude and was able to encourage many others in their journey as they encouraged him. Since he was beating me so badly each week at the board game "Aggravation", he bought me a participation medal which says: “If you had fun, you won.” Such a whimsical sense of humor.

In the early morning of Dec. 28th, God came for him while he slept. He is now in heaven because he put his trust in Christ alone.

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home at I 435 and Holmes in Kansas City, Missouri. (10507 Holmes Road) The Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 A.M. with a Gathering Hour at 10:00 A.M. It will be our great honor to have you with us.

David loved spring and the 26th will be the last day of the first week of spring.

David is survived by his mom Elinor, brother Rick, son Alex, sister in-law Carol, uncle Don and aunt Wanda, dear cousins and dear friends.

Thank you for caring for us, David’s Mom

To those who may wish to make a monetary gift, I am including the address of Samaritan’s Purse. P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Come eat pancakes with us Saturday March 19th

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - TOMORROW, Saturday, March 19th 6 to 10 a.m., Adrian Optimist Bldg. 

Serving pancakes, sausage, coffee / juice / milk. Adults $7; ages 5-10 $5; age 4-under free. Sponsored by Adrian Cub Scout Pack 238. 

Proceeds fund upcoming summer camp fees. To-go breakfast available. Please share this post! Thanks.

Obituary - Darlene Ann McDaniel

Born Darlene Ann Gage on February 16, 1942 in El Paso, TX to parents Harold and Susan Gage, she was granted 80 years then sung into heaven on March 15, 2022, with her friend Delores Metcalf at her side and granddaughter Elizabeth singing on the phone.

"Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away." Psalms 90:10

A pastor's daughter herself, Darlene accepted a proposal to life as a devoted Pastor's wife to her husband, Jerry McDaniel, and was a loving mother to two, Shari and John, while her brother, James Gage, was called to serve as a missionary. Clearly, ministry runs deep and wide in her family! Her fingers served the Lord behind the piano of many churches, most recently leading the Abiding Love Baptist Church congregation in praise to the Lord. When she wasn't playing, she was likely baking cakes for every and all occasions. Even in her hardships, she continued to speak of God's goodness, express gratitude, pray for others, and proclaim Jesus as her Savior.

Darlene was proceeded in death by her parents, Rev. Harold and Susan Gage; husband, Rev. Jerry McDaniel; and daughter, Shari Perew-Breckenridge. She is survived by Dr. James & Carmenza Gage (brother & sister in-law); Rev. John & Jennifer McDaniel (son & daughter in-law) and their children, Elizabeth & Evan; Jonathon Perew (grandson) and his daughter, Isabella Perew; Sara & David Moore (granddaughter & spouse) and their daughter, Quinn Perew; and Ray Breckenridge (son in-law). May her Heavenly homecoming be celebrated until we meet again on that great Day!

Visitation will be held at Melancon's Funeral Home, Nederland, TX, on April 1st from 6-8pm. Graveside Service will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Nederland, TX, on April 2nd at 10:00am.