PINEVILLE, Mo. — A McDonald County jury convicted Anthony Scott Keller, 32, of Goodman, Missouri, of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, following a trial in front of Judge Kevin Selby of the 40th Judicial Circuit.
On Tuesday, the state called the victim of the case who testified that he was driving home from Neosho when a vehicle sideswiped his truck and then shot him on May 22, 2025. The bullet traveled through the victim’s left arm, breaking the bone. On cross-examination, defense attorney Katherine McRell, pointed out inconsistencies that arose between the victim’s prior testimony at both the preliminary hearing and deposition.
In testifying in his defense on Wednesday, the defendant alleged that the victim of the shooting had been driving erratically, tailgating the defendant and brandished a firearm. He asserted that he feared for his life and was acting in self-defense.
In closing argument, William Lynch, argued that while there may have been inconsistencies between the victim’s testimony and his prior statements, the jury could still find the defendant should not have drawn his weapon and fired on the victim. “The defendant stated he feared for his life – but he didn’t call 911, he didn’t drive to the police station, he went home and hid the gun under his bed,” argued Lynch.
The jury of 8 men and 4 women deliberated for roughly an hour before returning the guilty verdict. The jury found the defendant not guilty of offenses of assault and armed criminal action, leaving only the charge for unlawful use of a weapon resulting in injury or death. That remaining charge carried a sentence of ten to thirty years in the Department of Corrections, the jury recommended a sentence of 10 years to the judge, which limits the sentence the judge can impose. Sentencing is set for July 22, 2026, in Newton County, Missouri.
This case was investigated by the Neosho Police Department and prosecuted William Lynch and Mitch Cross of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
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