Two Charged with Murder in Phillipsburg Shooting
Two men have been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action following the June 24 killing of David Arbogast III in Phillipsburg. Ashton Beyer, 21, and Malakai Salyers, 23, are currently being held without bond at the Laclede County Detention Center.
According to the Laclede County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to Birch Road just before 3 p.m. after a report of a body found in the roadway. Arbogast had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Using drone surveillance, cell phone location data, interviews, and physical evidence recovered at the scene and through search warrants, investigators quickly identified Beyer and Salyers as suspects. A probable cause statement revealed both men took deliberate steps to conceal evidence, including burning clothing and destroying their cell phones.
Sheriff Matt Frederick stated, “We processed the scene of the shooting for physical evidence, conducted area canvass searches, conducted interviews, reviewed hours of security footage, developed leads, applied for search warrants and executed search warrants. We were able to identify our suspects, track their movements, seize evidence, and gain valuable information from numerous interviews. We obviously cannot go into great detail regarding our investigation, but we are confident in the case we have given to the Prosecutor. The investigation continues.”
Both suspects admitted to being with the victim on the day of the murder. According to court documents, the suspects’ movements before and after the incident were captured on surveillance, and their interviews revealed attempts to mislead investigators. One of the suspects also stated that he feared the consequences if he didn’t comply with the plan.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office.
Stay in touch with Lebanon Now:
Facebook
Interactive Facebook Group
Instagram
TikTok
To report a breaking news story, email ryan@lebanonmonow.com or text 417-493-8141.
If your pictures or story are used, I will pay $25. Submissions must be exclusive to Lebanon Now and not posted by you elsewhere.
