Morehouse man shot to death outside local bar

SIKESTON - The Southeast Missouri Major Case Squad is investigating a homicide reported Tuesday evening outside a Sikeston business.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety received a 911 call reporting a subject who was shot outside of Cronies Bar, 1637 E. Malone St. Director of Public Safety Drew Juden said upon officers' arrival, a subject was found lying on the ground just east of the business.

"The subject appeared to have been shot several times with a shotgun," said Juden, who identified the victim as Richard Sterling, 37, of Morehouse.

The South Scott Ambulance Service and Air Evac Life Flight arrived at the scene shortly after the officers' arrived. Attempts were made to revive Sterling but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Scott County Coroner Scott Amick.

"Our condolences go out to Mr. Sterling's family and friends," said Juden.

The DPS director asked that anyone with further information or who may have witnessed the crime and has not been contacted or interviewed to contact the Major Case Squad at 573-471-6200 or 573-471-1500.