VICTIM WAS SHOT FROM JUST INCHES AWAY
The Platte County Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Phillip J. Frazier, age 50, of Northmoor, in the death of Cody J. Steffen, 32, also of Northmoor, which is located in southern Platte County.
On Friday, June 2, Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near a business in Northmoor.
The shooting allegedly occurred after the defendant’s vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing the victim ask the defendant for his insurance information. Witnesses also reported seeing the defendant pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. The defendant allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot the victim from only a few inches away.
The defendant was taken into custody shortly after the shooting by a Riverside police officer.
Court documents allege the shooter had a blood alcohol content at .229 shortly after the incident. The legal limit for driving in Missouri is 08.
Prosecutor Eric Zahnd stated, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”
Sheriff Mark Owen stated, “The loss of life in situations like this is something we never want to see. This type of incident impacts not just the friends and families of those involved but the whole community. Thanks to the willingness of citizens to assist in the investigation, the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and our collective efforts, this defendant was quickly taken into custody.”
Frazier, of Northmoor, has been charged with second degree murder and armed criminal action and is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.