Police: Dunklin County man confesses to stabbing

HORNERSVILLE, Mo. -- A Hornersville man is currently being held on a $175,000 cash-only bond following an incident on Saturday that led to the death of another local man.

According to a probable cause statement by Sgt. Dennis Rainey of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, on Sunday Rainey, along with Sgt. William Cooper, interviewed Richard L. Forrister, 20, of Hornersville.

During the interview, Forrister said he stabbed Adam Cockerham, 20, also of Hornersville, who later died as a result of the injury.

According to Forrister, on Saturday he, along with several other people, attended a party at Cockerham's home, located on Main Street in Hornersville.

Forrister said he and another local man had a physical altercation in the front yard of Cockerham's residence. Cockerham was also outside, telling the other two to stop fighting, which they finally did.

After the fight, Cockerham and Forrister had a confrontation.

Forrister went on to say that Cockerham came toward him and pushed him against a tree.

Forrister then retrieved a folding knife from his pocket and unfolded it.

At this point, Forrister said Cockerham charged at him and he attempted to grab Cockerham's shoulders. When that happened, he stabbed Cockerham in the neck with the knife.

Cockerham immediately fell to the ground while Forrister fled on foot.

Forrister was asked by authorities if Cockerham had a weapon and he said he did not.

Cockerham was transported by ambulance to a hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Forrister was arrested and charged with the Class A felony of murder in the second degree and the felony of armed criminal action.

Forrister has been appointed a public defender and is due in court on March 17.