First-degree murder charges against five Missouri men in connection with the 2024 shooting death of an 18-year-old Caruthersville resident have been dismissed.
Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood announced Tuesday that her office filed a nolle prosequi against Omarion Grant, Jaquavion Edwards, Tyleik Moore, Rodney Jones and Prince Black, all of Hayti. The filing was entered Monday, March 9, in Mississippi County Circuit Court, and a judge dismissed the cases the same day.
The men had been charged in the April 2024 shooting death of Kohnali Hunt.
According to Hagood’s office, the decision followed ongoing issues involving key witnesses in the case. During initial trial proceedings in June 2025, several subpoenaed witnesses left the courthouse during jury selection and did not return. Orders to show cause were later issued, and the witnesses were located in Missouri, arrested and transported back to Arkansas.
During a retrial in July, a key witness changed testimony while on the stand, affecting the prosecution’s ability to establish identification of the alleged shooters. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
Prosecutors also cited the inability to secure another material witness currently incarcerated in Missouri.
Hagood said the cases will remain under review and charges could be reconsidered if additional evidence becomes available.
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