A Missouri woman is behind bars after authorities allege she removed crucial evidence from a Sulphur Springs, Arkansas crime scene where 20-year-old Triton Michael King was repeatedly shot and killed "without warning," according to charging documents obtained by Law&Crime.
Hunter Anderson, 21, stands accused of capital murder in the Aug. 13 shooting death. Morgan Young, 19, faces charges of hindering apprehension or prosecution for allegedly disposing of shell casings after the killing.
Background
The investigation began at a residence on Honey Creek Road in Sulphur Springs, a small community located just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border. Responding Benton County deputies found King "lying face up in the doorway of the residence" suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Court records show that before the shooting, King was observed walking between the porch and a car approximately four times. At one point, Anderson left the house before returning inside and sitting on a bed, authorities allege.
Four witnesses at the scene identified Anderson "as the person who shot King," according to charging documents. Investigators recovered 13 spent shell casings and one live round from the living room area of the residence, the affidavit reads.
During separate interviews, witnesses said King mentioned "carrying a gun" but no one ever saw him with a weapon, authorities stated. Anderson allegedly fled after the shooting and was later arrested in Missouri.
The Investigation
According to charging documents filed in Benton County Circuit Court, Anderson "leaned over and said something" to Young before he "without warning fired multiple rounds" toward King, striking him several times. When questioned by investigators, Young claimed she could not hear what Anderson said due to "background noise" but heard the word "clip."
After being arrested, Anderson led law enforcement to a pond where he disposed of the firearm used in the shooting, according to the affidavit.
Young told investigators she did not see the entirety of the incident but "saw part of it," charging documents state. She said she noticed several spent shell casings on the floor near her feet after the shooting—one even struck her.
The Charges
Natural State law enforcement alleges Young's actions removed "potential evidence directly related to the shooting" and King's death.
"Young knowingly concealed, removed, or otherwise interfered with evidence related to the investigation of Triton King's death, with the intent to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, or punishment of the person responsible for the crime," the charging document reads. Other witnesses confirmed seeing Young pick up the spent shell casings and throw them in a nearby trash can.
Anderson is charged with capital murder, possession of firearms by certain persons, and a probation violation. He is being held on $500,000 bail. Young, arrested Aug. 14, faces a $25,000 bond. Both are detained at the Benton County Jail.
Key Takeaways
- Triton Michael King, 20, was shot multiple times "without warning" inside a Sulphur Springs residence on Aug. 13
- Four witnesses identified Hunter Anderson as the shooter; authorities recovered 13 spent shell casings from the scene
- Morgan Young allegedly removed shell casings from the crime scene and placed them in a trash can after the shooting
- Anderson was arrested five days after the killing and led police to a pond where he disposed of the weapon
- Both defendants are being held in Benton County Jail; Anderson's bail is set at $500,000 while Young's bond is $25,000
What's Next
Anderson is due back in court on Sept. 8 for preliminary proceedings. Young is next slated to appear before a judge on Sept. 21. The investigation remains active as prosecutors continue building their cases against both defendants.