Citizens For Justice

07/05/2025

Happy Fireworks War season to those who celebrate!

The Firework Wars are a tradition dating back to the late-1990’s/early-2000’s in Columbia, MO. Residents take to streets to launch commercial grade fireworks...

05/24/2024

At one point during the interrogation, the investigators even threatened to have his pet Labrador Retriever, Margosha, euthanized as a stray, and brought the dog into the room so he could say goodbye. “OK? Your dog’s now gone, forget about it,” said an investigator.

Detectives grilled Thomas Perez Jr. for 17 hours, deprived him of medications and threatened to have his dog killed if he didn’t confess to killing his father, who was actually alive.

05/24/2024

Bodycam footage shows the interaction a Sturgeon police officer had with a 13-pound, blind-and-deaf Shih Tzu before he shot the dog to death.

The officer makes several attempts to capture the dog that were unsuccessful. The dog does not try to bite the officer in the video and does not growl at the officer.

A total of three minutes, and six seconds occurs in the video from when the officer first initially gets close to the animal and the first shot being fired.

A statement obtain by ABC 17 from the person who contacted Joint Communications, but wished to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation from the city wrote:

"I cannot stress enough this animal was in no way a threat to others! Woodson discharged his weapon MULTIPLE times in a residential area without a threat presenting itself, without warning."

Viewer discretion is advised for the full-length video. STURGEON, Mo. (KMIZ) Bodycam footage shows the interaction a Sturgeon police officer had with a 13-pound, blind-and-deaf Shih Tzu before he shot the dog to death. ABC 17 News requested bodycam footage from the city of Sturgeon for an Officer Wo...

05/23/2024

The dog's name was Teddy. He was a 13-pound Shih Tzu that was about 5 years old. He was born deaf, but lost his sight about two years ago. Teddy's owner, Nicholas Hunter, said Teddy was full of energy his entire life.

The person who found Teddy called Boone County Joint Communications and told them the dog was not a threat, according to previous reporting. Teddy was sitting next to them and drinking water waiting for an officer.

Sturgeon, MO City Hall. 573-687-3321
Sturgeon, MO Police. 573-687-3300
Sturgeon, MO Police Fax 573-687-3474

STURGEON, Mo. (KMIZ) The owner of a blind and deaf dog who was shot and killed by a Sturgeon police officer on Sunday has filed a complaint with the city of Sturgeon. According to a Monday social media post from the City of Sturgeon, police were called to an area for a report of "an injured

01/06/2024

"Chism has been paid $72,487.90 since his suspension on June 9."

Suspended Callaway County sheriff Clay Chism continues to collect pay from the county weeks after admitting to driving while intoxicated.

07/24/2023

"Do not release the dog with his hands up!" a trooper can be heard yelling multiple times before Speakman releases the dog.

The video shows the dog running toward Rose, who comes to his knees as Speakman releases the dog.

Video appears to show the dog biting and pulling Rose by his arm as he screams loudly.

Jadarrius Rose is seen on video during the July 4 traffic stop with his hands up surrendering to police before an officer deploys his canine.

07/21/2023

07/10/2023

After Columbia, Missouri's epic 2018 firework war, Boone County Sheriff Dewayne Carey vowed it would be the last war the city would ever see.

July 4th, 2022 was the night that declaration would be put to the test.

After Columbia Missouri's epic 2018 Firework War, Boone County Sheriff Dewayne Carey vowed it would be the last war the city would ever see. July 4th, 2022 w...

05/17/2023

"Being proactive on these issues, and holding detailed briefings after investigations are complete, are a much better path to trust and accountability. Police agencies all over America release body camera footage, warts and all, and are being accountable. Explain in detail proper police procedure, and admit mistakes, and what’s being done to correct them. This city never seems to be able or willing to admit when someone screwed up."

-Former CPD interim Chief Tom Dresner

In 1964, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart was asked what his test for obscenity was.

05/08/2023

Two officers from the Columbia Missouri Police Department are on leave and facing a criminal investigation after a video emerged of them repeatedly punching a restrained man outside of a downtown bar.

03/04/2023

A family files a civil rights lawsuit against the police.

Their attorney mysteriously dies in his sleep.

Unable to find a new attorney, the case is dismissed.

Now one of the plaintiffs is charged in a shooting.

The 20-year-old man currently on the run from police for his role in gunplay during homecoming festivities downtown last fall was embroiled in a two-year-long federal lawsuit alleging a conspiracy