David Franklin, a 23-year-old Black man, was shot and killed in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2025 in Springfield, Missouri. Officers were called to the 1900 block of West Bennett Street near Club Rodeo at about 2:10 a.m.; first responders found Franklin with a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. This was the city’s first homicide investigation of the year.

Detectives identified and arrested 22-year-old Marquese Gaten, also of Springfield, shortly after the incident. Gaten was charged with stealing and tampering with physical evidence related to the felony prosecution and was held at the Greene County Jail without bond while prosecutors reviewed the case for possible additional charges. The homicide investigation remained active as authorities sought more information from the public.

If anyone has information about Franklin, the shooting near West Bennett Street, or evidence that could help investigators, please come forward.