For Immediate Release

May 9, 2018

Thanks in part to DNA testing, a second man has been charged in the fatal shooting in October 2016 of Derrick Jones, 25, in a Westport area parking lot, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Arthur C. Simpson, dob: 10/25/1983, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Attempted Robbery 1st Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action.*

According to court records, the victim was found in a parking lot near 40th and Mill Street in the Westport area. He was suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital. Video showed that two suspects, including the defendant, were observed in the area at the time of the shooting. They were observed holding a white Styrofoam cup. The cup and straw were recovered from the scene and lab tests of DNA from the cup were linked to the defendant. Fingerprints linked to Simpson were also found on the lid of the cup. Shell casings at the scene also matched casings found at the homicide scene and a gun found in vehicle linked to one of the defendants. A gun also found in the a co-defendant's vehicle was determined to be one used at the homicide scene.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $500,000 cash.

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur

Director of Communication

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office

Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor

Work   : (816) 881-3812

Mobile: (816) 674-3954

mmansur@jacksongov.org

http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.