Kennett man charged in Monday shooting

KENNETT, Mo. -- Charges were filed Tuesday against a local man who allegedly shot another Kennett man in the chest on Monday evening.

According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff, Danny Curlett, 47, is facing charges of assault in the first-degree and armed criminal action. Both charges carry a penalty of up to life in prison.

According to Major Steve Williams of the Kennett Police Department (KPD), at approximately 9:58 p.m. Monday, the department responded to a call at 1004 North Vandeventer Street to investigate a shooting.

Upon arrival, Williams said officers spoke with the resident of the property, Leroy White, who said he was in his front yard talking to Curlett when another Kennett resident, Kevin Gilmer, walked into the yard.

White said at that point Curlett pulled a gun and shot Gilmer in the chest, according to Williams. Curlett then left the property, walking north on North Vandeventer Street, according to the witness.

Williams said Gilmer was transported to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett following the incident, and was later taken to a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where he is listed in critical condition.

The officers conducted a search of the area, but were unable to immediately locate the suspect, Williams added.

Curlett turned himself in at approximately 6:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Sokoloff has made a motion to remove himself from the case, due to a previous working relationship with Curlett. Curtlett is currently being held at the Dunklin County Justice Center on a $75,000 cash only bond.