Missouri Woman Allegedly Loaded Gun and Shot Man Dead After Dinner Fight Over What Was on His Phone
ETHEL, MISSOURI — A domestic argument that began over the contents of a man’s cell phone ended in deadly violence when a Missouri woman allegedly loaded a gun and shot him in the chest, according to deputies.
Melinda Grigsby, 39, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Lawrence Jackson, court records show. She is currently being held without bond at the Macon County Jail.
Argument Started While Dinner Was Being Cooked
According to a probable cause statement reviewed by authorities, the incident happened on January 23 inside a home in Ethel, Missouri. Deputies say Grigsby was cooking dinner at the time, and multiple minors were present inside the home.
The argument reportedly centered around “the content on his cell phone related to relationship issues.” Investigators say the discussion escalated quickly.
Court documents allege Grigsby struck Jackson twice in the face with a spatula, causing visible bruising and a laceration. Jackson then reportedly grabbed Grigsby and placed her in a headlock. One of the minors witnessed the confrontation and pushed on Jackson’s head until he released her.
Afterward, Jackson went into the living room while Grigsby finished cooking dinner and sent the children to their room, deputies said.
Gun Retrieved, Ammo Loaded, Then Fatal Shot Fired
Authorities say the argument did not end there.
Investigators allege Grigsby followed Jackson into the living room, where the two continued talking and arguing. She then grabbed her purse containing a firearm and went into the master bedroom.
According to the charging document, Grigsby checked the magazine and added additional ammunition from the bedroom closet. One of the juveniles reportedly heard banging on the walls and door while she was inside the room.
Jackson later approached the bedroom, where the argument resumed.
Grigsby allegedly told investigators that she dropped ammunition on the floor while loading the gun. When Jackson asked her where the firearm was, deputies say she pulled the gun and fired one shot, striking him in the chest.
One of the minors reportedly heard Jackson say, “Why, Melinda, why?”
Victim Pronounced Dead at Scene
Deputies with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home shortly before 6 p.m. and found Jackson suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Grigsby was arrested and booked into jail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
Court documents did not specify the exact nature of the relationship between Grigsby and Jackson.
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