PLATTE COUNTY—The Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Saturday against 50-year-old Phillip J. Frazier in the death of 32-year-old Cody J. Steffen, in Northmoor, Missouri, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.
On Friday Platte County deputies along with officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in a strip mall in 2400 Block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri.
The shooting allegedly occurred after Frazier's vehicle struck Steffen's vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing the Steffen ask Frazier for his insurance information.
Witnesses also reported seeing Frazier pull a handgun from the small of his back and point it at the victim. The gun allegedly still had a holster on it. Frazier allegedly removed the holster from the gun and shot Steffen from only a few inches away.
A Riverside Police officer took Frazier into custody shortly after the shooting.
Prosecutor Eric Zahnd stated, “This is the kind of tragedy that is occurring far too frequently these days. Someone is dead from gunfire after a minor fender bender. Fortunately, thanks to an excellent joint investigation by the Northmoor and Riverside police departments and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, this defendant was quickly apprehended and charged.”
Frazier has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action and is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.
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