Charges dropped against one man in Sikeston murder

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Charges against one of three men accused in a fatal shooting in Sikeston were dropped, and a fourth man has been charged.

Johnnie Phiffer, 18, was originally charged with first-degree murder, assault and two counts of armed criminal action in the Thursday death of Larrell Taylor, 25.

Through the course of the investigation, Phiffer's charges were dropped and another man, Samuel D. Owens, 21, of Sikeston, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, a release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety stated.

Owens was being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond, according to the release.

Also accused in the slaying are Kena D. Hatcher, 20, and Thomas M. Elery, 18, each charged with first-degree murder, assault and two counts of armed criminal action.

Hatcher and Elery, both of Sikeston, were being held on no bond pending a hearing Tuesday in Scott County.