West Plains man who was robbing home charged with murder after his accomplice shot by homeowner

A West Plains man who was robbing a home has been charged with second degree murder after his accomplice was shot and killed by the homeowner. Thirty-two-year-old Keith W. Geringer was arrested Thursday by West Plains Police following a nearly two-week investigation.

According to police, the fatal shooting and burglary happened Nov. 8. The homeowner had shot one of the suspected burglars, identified as 23-year-old Hayden Levi Hilleman, inside the house before both men fled. Hilleman collapsed on the street and was later pronounced dead by EMS personnel. Geringer fled the scene before police arrived.

Investigators later located Geringer and conducted follow-up interviews which led to two felony charges being filed, second degree murder and first degree burglary. Under Missouri law, an individual may be charged with second degree murder if, during the commission or attempted commission of a felony, or during flight from that felony, another person is killed as a result.

Geringer is being held in the Howell County Jail with bond set at $100,000.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

PREVIOUS ARRESTS

Geringer has several previous arrests dating back to 2014 in Howell, Wright, Texas and Franklin counties. Charges include forgery, DWI – drugs, driving while license is suspended, domestic assault and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. He has served time in the Missouri Department of Corrections and in county jails.

   

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