10/29/2026
October 29, 2026

EMPHASIS: Gainesville, MO, Man Charged in Fatal Leaving The Scene Crash Involving A Pedestrian

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Ransom D. Uchtman, 26, Gainesville, MO, for Involuntary Manslaughter - 2nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident - Resulting in a Death, Armed Criminal Action, and two counts of Operated a Motor Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner - Involving an Accident. This arrest resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the Troop G Criminal Investigation Unit and the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 26, 2026, investigators of the Troop G Criminal Investigation Unit were requested by the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an incident where an adult male was found deceased along Missouri 181, north of US-160, in Ozark County. Initial reports indicated the adult male was possibly struck by a vehicle. The Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Unit also responded to the scene to investigate.

The deceased was identified as Zachariah X. Morris, 18, Gainesville, MO. Next of kin notification was made and law enforcement personnel searched the area in an attempt to locate the motorist/vehicle involved. DDCC investigators followed up on investigative leads and confirmed Morris had likely been struck by a vehicle. DDCC investigators located additional evidence indicating an abandoned vehicle near the scene was involved in the crash. Evidence was seized and collected from both scenes, which will be sent to the Patrol’s Crime Laboratory for further analysis. Uchtman was identified as a person of interest in the case.

On the evening of October 27, 2026, DDCC investigators interviewed Uchtman at the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office. At the conclusion of the interview, Uchtman was taken into custody and placed on an investigative hold. He was booked into the Ozark County Jail. DDCC investigators completed a probable cause statement documenting their findings and forwarded it to the Ozark County Prosecutor for consideration of formal charges.

On October 28, 2026, the Ozark County Prosecutor formally charged Uchtman with the following: Involuntary Manslaughter - 2nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident - Resulting in a Death, Armed Criminal Action, and two counts of Operated a Motor Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner - Involving an Accident. Uchtman remains in custody at the Ozark County Jail without bond.

The charges for which the above individual was arrested are mere accusations and 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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