On 8/21/2022 at approximately 2:32 AM Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax was called to a residence just outside Rich Hill. Initial report was that a male was deceased of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On arrival Mullinax met with Bates County Sheriff’s Office detectives whose investigation was well underway. After confirming identity, Mullinax examined the decedent and the scene, which was secure on his arrival. The detectives and Mullinax examined a firearm and located substantial evidence which indicated the trajectory of the shot and decedent’s position when fired. All of this evidence was photographed and processed, and detectives began interviewing witnesses.
Bates County Detectives then briefed Mullinax on witness statements regarding the incident which described a suicidal event, consistent with their initial findings prior to speaking with witnesses. To be certain however, an autopsy was scheduled on the decedent. Mullinax attended the autopsy along with a Bates County Sheriff Office Detective. On examination of the decedent, the pathologist confirmed the fatal injury to be suicidal in nature and the final report will describe the specific findings.
The totality of the investigation, which is only summarized here, leads them to the confidence that no other persons were involved.
