Authorities believe man on lam hid in hollow tree

ROBY, Mo. -- A former convict wanted in his wife's shooting death has evaded authorities in south-central Missouri for more than a month, at one time possibly hiding in a hollow tree trunk.

About 100 officers have been searched for Neldon Neal since his wife was shot March 13.

Officers think he has stayed within miles of his home, and they think he hid for days inside a hollow tree trunk in Mark Twain National Forest.

But authorities also said Neal had help, and have charged four women with allegedly providing him with food, beer, soap and an occasional shower.

"It's a big game to a lot of them," Texas County Sheriff Carl Watson said.

Neal, 60, has strong ties to the rural Ozark county, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Sunday. And he's had several run-ins with the law, on charges including kidnapping, burglary and robbery.

He's also known for receiving a court judgment that could have made him a millionaire, though some of his family spent much of it before he got out of prison, said his former lawyer.

Recently, Neal had lived with his wife, Judy Lewis, in a dilapidated trailer.

Authorities say on March 13, the unemployed Neal and a drinking buddy returned to the trailer. His wife, Lewis' former daughter-in-law and her 2-year-old daughter were there.

The sheriff said a fight broke out and Lewis, 51, was shot. Neal fled.

The former daughter-in-law and the drinking buddy drove Lewis to a gas station. The station's owner, Linda Openshaw, said she dialed 911 but she said it was clear Lewis already was dead.

Neldon Neal's criminal record goes back to 1965, the sheriff said.

His most recent prison term came in 1998 with a 15-year term for stealing beer.

While jailed in Miller County, Neal was beaten by deputies, said Kansas City attorney Don Roberson, who was hired by Neal to sue for damages.

His $1 million award was settled for $500,000. After expenses, Neal received a check for about $275,000. His family handled the proceeds, and the money was mostly gone by the time Neal was released early for good behavior in October 2005, Roberson said.