(VIDEO) Sheriff Matt Frederick Speaks Out on Recent Shootings and Ongoing Homicide Investigation

LEBANON, MO — In an exclusive interview with Lebanon Now, Laclede County Sheriff Matt Frederick provided an update on the recent homicide investigation and addressed growing community concerns over a string of recent shootings.

Sheriff Frederick confirmed that on June 24 at approximately 2:50 p.m., the Laclede County dispatch center received a 911 call about a man who had been shot. Deputies arrived to find the man deceased with apparent gunshot wounds. Since then, investigators have been actively working leads and gathering evidence.

“Right now we’re 48 hours into it,” said Frederick. “We’ve got a lot of leads, and we’re trying to work quickly before they dry up.”

Frederick noted that while the public often wants immediate answers, rushing details could compromise the integrity of the investigation. “If we mass blast information out too quickly, we may lose evidence,” he said, urging patience from the public as detectives follow up on leads.

He also clarified jurisdictional roles, explaining that when incidents occur within city limits, the Lebanon Police Department takes the lead, while the Sheriff’s Office provides backup and support as needed. “Our job is to be the best partners we can,” he said.

When asked if the community is seeing a surge in violence, Frederick acknowledged four shootings in the past two months but emphasized that there is no evidence connecting the cases. “To date, we find nothing that connects any of them. These are isolated incidents,” he explained.

Frederick also addressed public frustration over perceived delays in resolving cases, contrasting real-life investigations with TV portrayals. “People expect answers in 30 minutes like on CSI. In reality, we’re collecting evidence that can take months to process,” he said.

He stressed the importance of airtight cases, noting that law enforcement cannot act on speculation or gut feelings. “It’s not what we know, it’s what we can prove,” he said. “Whoever’s responsible—I want them gone just as much as the victim’s family.”

Frederick concluded by asking the public to show empathy online. “Families of victims see these posts. They don’t want speculation. They want truth. They want justice.”

As the investigation continues, Lebanon Now will provide ongoing coverage and updates directly from authorities.