For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason Clark
(573) 522-0980
DDCC092107
September 21, 2007

EMPHASIS: Murder Investigation


Captain Luke Vislay, director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrest of Richard B. Holland, 20, of Eminence, Missouri, for the murder of Jeremiah Hughes.

On September 13, 2007, at approximately 7:53 p.m., the Eminence Police Department and Shannon County Sheriff's Department responded to 208 West Missouri Apartment 14, Eminence, Missouri, regarding an injured 5-year-old male. Jeremiah Hughes was located at the residence suffering from severe head injuries and was later transported by helicopter to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol were asked to assist in the investigation of the injured boy, who died on September 20, 2007, at 9:45 a.m., as the result of the injuries sustained while in the care of Holland. Following a joint investigation, Holland, the live-in boyfriend of Hughes’ mother, was arrested at 11:40 a.m. on September 20, 2007. Holland is being held in the Shannon County Jail on $250,000 bond and has been charged with:

1. Endangering the welfare of a child 1st degree.
2. Murder 2nd degree.

The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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