A Boone County jury has found Kimo Spivey not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of Melvin Hooker III outside Plush Lounge in Columbia. Spivey, 35, was acquitted on charges of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action – but was found guilty of illegal gun possession due to prior felony convictions. Spivey testified he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors argued he conspired with others to kill Hooker. Three others are tied to the case – one has pleaded guilty, another faces charges, and a fourth suspect is still at large.
Spivey acquitted by Boone jury
By Mike Murphy
