Suspect Arrested in Connection with Early Morning Springfield Shooting
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A suspect has been taken into custody following the discovery of a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound early Sunday morning.
Springfield police responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:14 a.m. on June 22 at 2034 W. Webster St., according to a statement from the Springfield Police Department.
Officers found Lavontae Bennett, 19, of Springfield, with a fatal gunshot injury. Bennett was pronounced dead at the scene.
Later that day, 22-year-old Bodee Melton of Willard was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Melton was booked into Greene County Jail pending further legal proceedings. The case will be reviewed by the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges.
Detectives are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.
This marks the sixth homicide under investigation in Springfield so far in 2025.