Manslaughter suspect also accused of beating, shooting gun at girlfriend

One of the men charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Brent Shonta Johnson faces charges from a Sept. 18 incident where he is accused of shooting a pistol near his girlfriend three times.

The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s office Tuesday charged Richard L. Jenkins, 30, of Cape Girardeau with first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Jenkins’ bond on these charges was set at $100,000 cash or surety.

Jenkins and his girlfriend were arguing about 1 a.m. Sept. 18 at a residence in the 900 block of College Street, according to a probable-cause statement filed by Cape Girardeau police officer Doug Hays.

Jenkins hit the victim several times all over her body with a closed fist, then told her to get her stuff and leave, Hays wrote. As she was packing up, Jenkins hit her in the left side of her face with a black pistol, according to the statement.

The victim walked into a different room, and Jenkins fired a shot at the victim — missing her but hitting a wall, Hays wrote.

She began gathering items in another room, but Jenkins followed her and struck her again, according to the statement.

Jenkins then held the pistol to her head and tried to place it in her mouth, Hays wrote.

As she struggled, the gun fired, and the bullet hit a wall in the bedroom, according to the statement.

The victim ran outside and almost had reached her vehicle when Jenkins fired the gun at her again, Hays wrote.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

900 block of College Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.