For Immediate Release
March 7, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced a Jackson County jury convicted a Cape Girardeau man in a road rage murder that took place on I-70 in Oak Grove in 2023.
Charles J. Smith, Jr., was convicted yesterday of 2nd Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. Today, the jury recommended 22 years for 2nd Degree Murder, 15 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and five years for each count of Armed Criminal Action.
The defendant will be sentenced on May 1.
“This conviction sends a powerful message that violence has no place on our roadways,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “The defendant in this case chose to escalate a temporary traffic dispute into a fatal shooting, which has altered countless lives in a matter of seconds. Jackson County deserves to travel without fear of deadly force. We will continue to prosecute those who choose to resort to violence.”
According to court records, Missouri Highway Patrol officers responded to I-70 eastbound near Oak Grove on April 19, 2023, on a reported road rage incident.
Officers responded to a green Ford pickup that had crashed into a parked car on the outer road, after a 911 call was placed by a witness who saw the car go off the road. The driver had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described a white Hyundai vehicle that had been involved in an incident with the truck.
The Missouri Highway Patrol located and pursued the suspect vehicle and used stop sticks to disable it to apprehend the defendant. The defendant fled on foot and officers found and apprehended him the next day.
Trial Team Leader Jordan Logan and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Brian Morris and Joseph Marquez prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
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Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com