Ralph Edward Cross, a 55-year-old African American man from Wilson City, Missouri, was found dead inside his home on August 1, 2017, the victim of a gunshot wound to the back. Investigators reported the residence had been ransacked, with couch cushions overturned and the victim’s pants pockets turned inside out, and early findings suggested robbery as a possible motive.

The day before his body was found, Cross had encountered four women stranded with a flat tire and reportedly bought a replacement tire for them. He invited the group back to his home while repairs were made; witnesses saw Cross with the women that evening. A neighbor later saw the women leaving hurriedly in a white vehicle after a loud noise early the next morning, and one witness said a woman made a comment about Cross tripping as they fled.

Surveillance footage and witness statements led investigators to identify and charge the four women. The account given to police attributed the shooting to one of the women, with others describing seeing the act. What additional information can anyone who knew Ralph or was in Wilson City that night share about his last hours?