Richard Walter Ward III was 20 when he was shot on the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2017, in Columbia, Missouri. He died of his wounds the next day, October 8, 2017. The shooting happened near the Rolling Rock Townhomes.

A psychiatry student at the University of Missouri, Richard was remembered as a vibrant, caring person who loved music and working with children. Friends and family described him as having a bright future ahead of him.

There has been no public report of an arrest related to the shooting, and no suspect information has been released in the materials summarizing the case. If anyone knew Richard, was in the area that night, or has information that could help resolve what happened, please share what is known.