A Greene County judge has denied a man a motion for a new trial.
Attorneys asked Greene County Judge David Jones to set aside Nicholas Godejohn’s 2018 murder conviction based on poor representation.
Last week, Judge Jones denied Godejohn’s a motion for a new trial.
Nicholas Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder for stabbing Dee Dee Blanchard in 2015 and is serving life in prison without parole.
From a Branson Police Department news release:
BRANSON, Mo – On February 28, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Branson officers located a known wanted subject at a gas station in the 1100 block of W. 76 Country Blvd. and made contact with the driver, who was alone in the vehicle with a dog.
After an initial investigation into the driver’s identity, it was determined that he was Randall Wesolek Jr., of Taney County. When officers instructed Wesolek to exit the car, a struggle ensued, a gun was produced and officers fired their weapons. The officers secured the scene and began performing life saving measures for Wesolek who died of his injuries on scene. His family has been notified. No officers were injured. Wesolek’s dog, a grey and white Pit Bull type breed, appeared to have been injured in the incident and ran off while the officers were securing the scene. Officers have not been able to locate the dog.
“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the involved persons and their families,” said Chief Schmitt. “We understand this incident will have long lasting impacts for all involved, as well as our community. Please remember that regardless of the circumstances of this incident, this community values human life. We should remember to give respect as we move forward. It is crucial that a thorough, fair and impartial investigation of this incident be completed. We will provide you information on how this process will proceed,” Chief Schmitt said.
One Sergeant and two patrol officers fired their weapons and all have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. Police Chief Schmitt has formally requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) to conduct a full investigation into this incident which is also standard operating procedure. MSHP immediately responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. After their investigation is complete, BPD will conduct its own internal investigation then provide the information to the community in a critical incident briefing about this incident and the results of the investigations.
The Branson Police Department would ask the community to be patient as the investigation unfolds as it will take some time. It would also like to thank all neighboring agencies that assisted including the Branson Fire Rescue and the Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD), and the Taney County Sheriff’s Office.
Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt will speak at 3 p.m. today to discuss the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday.
BPD says the press conference has been moved to the council chambers at Branson City Hall, and a livestream has been set up to watch remotely.
If you’d like to watch the livestream, click here or visit the City of Branson YouTube channel.
The City of Springfield is asking for residents opinions on parking in downtown.
In a press release Wednesday, city leaders are looking for ways to improve parking in downtown Springfield, without compromising future economic development.
The survey will be open until March 20 if you wish to have your voice heard.
If you would like to fill out the survey, click here.
A man previously indicted for child pornography is now facing additional Charges.
A federal grand jury charged 66-year-old Harold Bair of Ava in a three-count indictment on Tuesday.
It retains the original charges but adds another child victim. Blair is also charged with possession of child pornography.
A person is dead in an officer involved shooting in Branson.
Branson police say the shooting happened about 10 p.m. Tuesday at Dalton’s Store and Conoco Gas on Highway 76.
No officers were injured. Branson police have not released details about the shooting yet.
The board for Springfield Public Schools has appointed a new vice president after the previous VP was voted out.
Board members voted 4-3 Tuesday to remove Maryam Mohammadkhani from her position as vice president after backlash from remarks she made last week.
The remarks were made during a Youth Empowerment Summit at Missouri State University February 23, where SPS students are empowered to pursue higher education.
Attendees at the meeting say during a portion of the conference, students were asked to close their eyes and raise their hands if they had experienced racial trauma. Several students raised their hands.
Following the exercise, Mohammadkahni reportedly commented on how it was only a portion of the room, seemingly downplaying the feelings of those who had acknowledged their trauma.
Several students at the meeting, as well as staff and other spectators at the event, became upset by her comments.
Scott Crise was appointed to fill Mohammadkhani’s position as vice president, but board members say a new VP will be elected following the April 4 election.