Zachary Shane Rice, 41, was shot and killed in the early morning of January 18, 2021, on Dunrobin Castle Drive in Nixa, Missouri. Officers arrived after reports of shots fired at about 3:02 a.m., found Rice deceased on the street outside a home, and secured the scene. A suspect was taken into custody at the location and police described the incident as isolated, saying those involved were acquainted and there was no ongoing danger.

Initial reports did not name the person taken into custody. By early 2022, social media posts from people claiming to be family and friends identified the alleged shooter as Cody Smith and alleged he had been released without charges; however, there have been no official announcements from the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office about formal charges, a trial, or a conviction. The investigation was described as ongoing and many questions remain.

If anyone knew Zachary or has information about the shooting, please share what you can.