News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. M.K. Elmore

(417) 469-3121

G-05044

May 26, 2004



EMPHASIS: Arrest Made in Triple Homicide



On Monday, May 24, 2004, at 3:22 p.m., a call was placed to Howell County 9-1-1 advising CPR in progress at an apartment at 2700 Burke St., West Plains, Missouri.



At 3:24 p.m., officers with the West Plains Police Department arrived at the residence and located the bodies of Keith Bennett, 28; Klover Lawrence, 6; and Keith Bennett II, 4, all apparent victims of gunshot wounds.



The West Plains Police Department, Howell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an investigation throughout the night. On the afternoon of May 25, Pamela Burns, 52, Pomona, Missouri, was arrested on three counts of Murder in the First Degree and three counts of Armed Criminal Action. Burns is presently incarcerated at the Howell County Sheriff’s Department. She is being held without bond.



A handgun has been recovered and the investigation continues.



The charges for which the individual was arrested 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 it is to determine guilt or innocence.