Larry Acree: Missouri man faces murder charges for shooting police officer and court process server during eviction
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI: Larry D Acree stands accused of allegedly shooting and killing both an Independence police officer and a civil process server on Thursday, February 29, while wounding two other law enforcement officials.
He faces a litany of serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, and three counts of armed criminal action, as per Fox.
Timeline of tragic shooting
The tragic sequence of events began when Drexel Mac, accompanied by two individuals identified as Witnesses 1 and 2, visited a residence on N. Elsea Smith Road at approximately 1 pm on Thursday, February 29.
Mac was following up on a notice to vacate that had been posted on the property six days prior.
Court documents reveal that, after knocking and announcing their presence, the trio received no response. In an attempt to carry out their duties, they drilled out the lock and entered the home.
Tragically, gunshots rang out upon entry, striking Mac and causing him to fall immediately inside the front door.
while performing his duties (KCTV/ABC/screengrab)
Witness 1 managed to escape and promptly called for help. Responding to the distress call, three Independence police officers entered the residence to retrieve Mac, only to face more gunfire from inside.
Officer Cody Allen was shot in the head, and another officer sustained injuries to the torso.
In a swift and courageous response, officers returned fire at the suspect, identified as Acree, and by 1.30 pm, he was taken into custody.
All the victims, including the wounded officer, were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Remembering Cody Allen and Drexel Mac
Tragically, Officer Allen and Mac were pronounced dead, while the injured officer underwent surgery and is expected to survive the wounds.
Judge Jalilah Otto of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri paid tribute to Mac, noting his dedicated service of over 12 years.
Otto emphasized that Mac was "a true public servant, and he lost his life doing his job".
Independence Police Department Chief Adam Dustman expressed profound grief, describing Officer Allen as "one of a kind" and a "human being among human beings" who always had a smile on his face.
Officer Allen leaves behind a grieving wife, two young children, and parents mourning the untimely loss of their loved one.
