MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason M. Pace
(417) 895-6868
April 25, 2012
D122012
EMPHASIS: Patrol Seeks Assistance With The Homicide Investigation of Tommy Ray Bryant Jr.

On April 22, 2012, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a pedestrian, Tommy Ray Bryant Jr., 28, was struck and killed by a vehicle in a driveway, near the residence of 397 West Highway W, Walnut Grove, Missouri. Officers from the Polk County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene to discover Bryant's body lying on the ground, where he was later pronounced dead. The investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle purposefully struck Bryant and left the scene.

The suspect being sought in connection with the murder is identified as Shannon Jack Shaffer Sr. Shaffer is described as a 39-year-old white male, 6’0”, and approximately 180 pounds. He was last seen driving a 1995-2005, gold or silver colored Jeep style sport utility vehicle, possibly a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee, bearing an unknown license plate.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Shannon J. Shaffer Sr., is encouraged to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control at 417-895-6868. Investigators would like to remind callers they can remain anonymous. Anyone coming in contact with Shaffer should exercise caution, do not approach, and contact authorities immediately.