MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY


Division of Drug and Crime Control-P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

Press Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Bradley R. Germann
     
573-526-6122
12/2/2024
December 2, 2024
 

EMPHASIS: Officer Involved Shooting And Homicide/Suicide Investigation - Lawson, Missouri

At the request of the Lawson (Missouri) Police Chief, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating an officer involved shooting and murder/suicide, which occurred in Lawson, MO.

The investigation revealed on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 7:35 p.m., officers/deputies from the Lawson Police Department and Ray County Sheriff’s Office responded to 213 Montgomery Street in Lawson, MO, in response to a domestic disturbance call. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and were informed a male suspect, later identified as Brett J. Yager, 26, of Lawson, MO, had assaulted an adult female. While on scene, authorities were informed a child remained inside the residence. Law enforcement personnel contacted Yager inside the residence, where he presented a firearm and fired multiple times at law enforcement officers, striking a Ray County Deputy. Officers returned fire and sought cover after hearing additional gunfire. Multiple law enforcement agencies from surrounding jurisdictions responded to assist, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Tactics and Response Team (S.T.A.R).

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. S.T.A.R made entry into the residence. Clay County Deputies located Yager and the child deceased. The Ray County Deputy was transported to and treated at an area hospital, where he was later released. No other injuries were reported.

An investigation was conducted by criminal investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. Evidence recovered at the scene, and the preliminary results of the autopsy revealed Yager died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the child died of a gunshot wound. It was determined that the child was not struck by law enforcement gunfire. The investigative findings were presented to the Ray County Prosecuting Attorney for review, and no charges are anticipated.
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