A 21-year-old Texas County resident is accused of killing a man whose body was found Thursday morning along a state highway.
Michael A. Nugent, 22, of Summersville, is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, according to court documents. The punishment calls for the death penalty or life in prison without the chance for parole.
Authorities said the body of Crue D. Ridenoure, 30, of Willow Springs, was found at about 7:12 a.m. near Highways 17 and W in an area commonly known as Midvale. That sent county deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and Summersville Fire Department to the scene, where they found the victim with critical injuries. Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey said Ridenoure was able to provide first responders information before his transport to Texas County Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead. An autopsy will be performed.
CRUE D. RIDENOURE
Lindsey said Friday morning the investigation continues and he asked anyone with information about the crime or who may have seen people there to contact his office. The number is 417-967-4165.
“This crime involved two individuals that were known to each other. There are likely multiple reasons that led the suspect to seek a violent confrontation with the victim,” Lindsey said. “The information developed during the investigation supports the charge of murder, first degree, with deliberation alleging that Michael Nugent fatally shot the victim.”
Additional felony charges were filed Friday against Nugent for assault crimes alleged to have occurred in July and September of this year.