Police: Poplar Bluff teenager was killed by hired hit man

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Southeast Missouri teenager was shot to death by a hit man paid in cash and crack cocaine to kill the teen, police said Thursday.

Lawrence James "Little Chubby" Warren Jr., 17, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday night outside his girlfriend's home.

Charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action were filed Thursday against Derrick McFarland, 24, of Poplar Bluff, and Travis James Henderson, 23, of Portageville. Police said McFarland hired Henderson to commit the crime.

Police said the motive was revenge -- McFarland was robbed over the summer and thought Warren was responsible.

"So Derrick offered (Henderson) an 8-ball of crack cocaine and $2,500 if he would kill Chubby," Rolland said.

Police had no record of McFarland being robbed. Both McFarland and Henderson have prior convictions, and McFarland is on federal parole for drug-related crimes.

Rolland said the suspects made their deal in New Madrid County, then drove Monday night to Poplar Bluff where they, along with a third man, purchased bullets.

McFarland allegedly drove Henderson to the home of Warren's girlfriend. Rolland said Henderson hid by a corner of the house while McFarland drove away, with plans to pick him up after the killing.

Later, Warren arrived and was confronted. He was shot once in the chest and once in the head. Officers, responding to 911 calls from neighbors, found Warren slumped over in his pickup truck.

Investigators sorted through more than 100 tips, helping lead them to the suspects. Police said they have recovered the murder weapon and the vehicle McFarland was driving that night.