Man sentenced in Malden home invasion incident

MALDEN, Mo. -- A man charged with first-degree burglary following a reported home invasion at the residence of a 70-year-old Malden man was recently convicted sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Richard O. Jenkins, 38, of Campbell, Mo., was sentenced March 14 by Dunklin County Circuit Court Judge Stephen R. Sharp, court records say. Following his conviction, Jenkins was released on a temporary furlough, in which he was expected to appear in court March 20 on a separate charge involving the attempted theft of an equipment trailer, but he did not show up. He has since been picked up by police, according to the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, which said he remains in custody until a court date can be set.

Jenkins was arrested just before Christmas on the burglary following a series of crimes he is accused of committing Dec. 19 at the home of Terry Kitrel, 70. Kitrel is now deceased due to unrelated circumstances.

Jenkins allegedly entered Kitrel's home and demanded money. Jenkins and Kitrel went to a bank where Kitrel withdrew money and gave it to Jenkins. They returned to Kitrel's home and Jenkins reportedly fled in a white GMC truck. After a two-day search, police saw Jenkins back at Kitrel's home and after a search found him hiding in a hot tub.

Jenkins was originally charged with first-degree robbery; three counts of felony armed criminal action; two counts of first-degree burglary; and felony kidnapping, according to court records. However, through a plea deal in which Jenkins pleaded guilty, his charges were reduced to the burglary only, which he was convicted on.

Pertinent address:

Malden, Mo.