Columbia Police say three additional suspects wanted for Sunday evening’s murder of an 18-year-old Columbia teen and for Saturday morning’s armed robbery of a gas station on Scott Boulevard have been captured in mid-Missouri’s Glasgow.
The captures follow a major manhunt in rural Glasgow and Howard County as authorities searched for 34-year-old Steven Paden of Columbia and two juveniles, ages 13 and 15. Another juvenile was already arrested for the homicide. That means all four suspects are now in custody.
Boone County prosecutors have charged Paden with second degree murder and robbery for Sunday night’s killing of 18-year-old Zarian Simpson, who was shot to death near East Broadway and Old 63. The Columbia Police Department’s probable cause statement says Simpson was shot in the head.
Court documents say the incident started when the suspects robbed Simpson of his bag with marijuana and his wallet near Essentials in downtown Columbia. Simpson was also struck with a gun during the robbery, according to court documents. Those court documents say Simpson then called 911 to report being struck in the face and robbed and told dispatchers he was chasing the suspects in his vehicle. Shots were then heard on the 911 call and Simpson stopped responding.
Columbia Police are thanking Glasgow police, Howard County Sheriff’s deputies, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and all the law enforcement agencies involved in the manhunt.
