FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
At approximately 8:25 a.m. on Nov. 2, officers from the Springfield Police Department responded to 920 W. State Street after a 911 caller stated a disturbance was occurring at the residence. After responding to the home, officers learned that several people involved in the disturbance were no longer present. Officers were able to interview two of the involved parties and search the residence. They then left the residence to conduct a canvass of the neighborhood for the remaining participants. While checking the neighborhood, officers heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of 920 West State. Upon their arrival, they located a deceased male victim in the back yard and encountered an armed suspect who was taken into custody. The victim had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
The victim was identified as Jonathan L. McCrary (DOB 11-29-76) from the state of Florida. Next of kin notifications have been made for the victim. The suspect was identified as Preston B. Watts (DOB 9-19-85) from Springfield, Mo.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm McCrary's cause of death.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident and at this time are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477.
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Case number: 15-43918
Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by: Lt. Culley Wilson