News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Jason Clark (573) 522-0980

DDCC05-11

May 11, 2005



EMPHASIS: Murder charges filed in connection with death of Trooper Ralph C. Tatoian





Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces as a result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Troop-F Investigations Unit, that Massigh J. Stallmann, age 25, of High Ridge, Missouri, has been charged with the murder of Trooper Ralph C. Tatoian. Stallmann appeared in Gasconade County Associate Circuit Court this morning where he waived the formal reading of the complaint. He has been charged with:



1. Murder 2nd Degree

2. Robbery 1st Degree

3. Burglary 2nd Degree

4. Tampering 1st Degree

5. Stealing

6. Assault 2nd Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer

7. Resisting Arrest

8. Armed Criminal Action two counts

9. Burglary 2nd Degree





The court appearance was in connection with the April 20, 2005, incident in which Trooper Tatoian was killed in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a manhunt for an armed burglary suspect who was believed to have shot at a Gasconade County Deputy. Stallmann remains incarcerated with the Missouri Department of Corrections in Fulton, Missouri, for parole violations.



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