On January 20, 2023, 38-year-old Jacob D. Abney was found dead from gunshot wounds in a pickup truck in the driveway of a Keytesville, Missouri residence occupied by Sherri Laws and her fiancé, James Johnson. Authorities responded after Laws reported an unknown intruder had tried to break in and shot her partner. Investigators concluded the incident grew out of an attempted narcotics transaction rather than a random home invasion.

After being let into the home by Johnson, Abney allegedly fired a gun inside, forced Laws to bind Johnson’s hands with tape, and tried to steal the drugs. Laws is reported to have retrieved a 9mm handgun; shots were exchanged outside as Abney fled. Johnson was found alive with gunshot wounds to his lower abdomen and taken to a hospital.

Laws led officers to a weapon hidden near a property fence. The focus of the investigation shifted to homicide and drug activity, and both residents were arrested. Laws was charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, delivery of a controlled substance, and tampering with evidence. Johnson was charged with second-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, delivery of a controlled substance, and tampering with evidence. Does anyone have information about the meeting that brought Abney to that property or who supplied the narcotics?