Man charged with murder in Tallapoosa woman's shooting death

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A New Madrid County man was to be arraigned Monday on murder charges.

New Madrid County Sheriff Terry M. Stevens reported his officers were notified of the shooting at 9:20 p.m. Saturday.

According to Stevens, Timothy Dewayne Richmond, 46, of Tallapoosa, Mo., had gone to his neighbor's house, asking them to call 911.

At the scene officers found the body of 36-year-old Maria Slavings of Tallapoosa. She had died from a gunshot wound to the head, Stevens said.

Richmond initially "told us she had shot herself, but our investigation determined it was not self-inflicted," Stevens said. "The evidence there just didn't add up."

Richmond was arrested about 3 a.m. Sunday. A .22 rifle, reportedly used in the shooting, was recovered at the scene.

Richmond is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He was being held without bond at the New Madrid County Jail.

Pertinent address:

Tallapoosa, MO

New Madrid, MO