William Riechers — Two Arrested in Fatal Columbia Shootout

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Summary: William Riechers, 20, died from multiple gunshot wounds amid a fierce midday shootout on a neighborhood road in Columbia, Missouri, on March 4, 2026. Police detained Damarius Kavanaugh, 19, a companion who admitted firing back at an approaching SUV, and Landen Jackson, 24, the vehicle's operator suspected of starting the barrage. Each faces second-degree murder and weapons violations as probes continue, reports say.

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (DailyKenn.com) — A 20-year-old man died from gunshot wounds in a midday exchange of fire on a residential street, leading to the arrests of two suspects facing murder charges, authorities said.

The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on March 4 in the area where Allen and Bryant streets intersect, according to Columbia police reports. Officers arrived after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire and discovered William Riechers suffering from wounds to his upper body. Emergency responders administered CPR and other aid, but Riechers was declared dead at the location. Investigators recovered shell casings in .40 caliber and 9mm, along with a .40 caliber pistol near the victim's body.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police depicted Riechers and acquaintance Damarius Kavanaugh, 19, strolling together in the vicinity, both wearing face masks and carrying bags across their torsos. As a light-colored SUV proceeded northbound on Bryant Street past the intersection, audio captured the initial bursts of gunfire. The video showed Riechers dropping low for cover while Kavanaugh extended his arm toward the vehicle, with subsequent shots echoing. Riechers then collapsed in the spot where he was later found, and Kavanaugh departed southward on foot.

In a police interview, Kavanaugh recounted spotting the SUV's windows lowering before shots erupted from inside. He offered varying descriptions of the sequence, at times suggesting Riechers discharged a weapon first and alternatively claiming the vehicle's occupants initiated the barrage. Kavanaugh acknowledged returning fire several times with a 9mm handgun, which he said he later tossed into nearby woods en route back to Riechers' home. Court records indicate Kavanaugh contacted a relative of the victim post-incident and accompanied them to a hospital before heading to the police station for questioning.

Riechers' girlfriend told investigators that Kavanaugh displayed an Instagram profile he identified as belonging to the SUV's driver, later named as Landen Jackson, 24. License plate readers and prior traffic stop data corroborated the vehicle's involvement, linking it to Jackson.

Kavanaugh surrendered to authorities on March 5 and faced charges of second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, unlawful firearm possession, unlawful weapon use, and evidence tampering. Prosecutors noted his probation status from a previous felony conviction barred him from owning guns.

Jackson was apprehended during a vehicle stop around 6:30 p.m. that same day. He confirmed operating the SUV but denied any shooting, according to arrest documents. A search at a connected residence yielded handguns and related items bearing his name. On March 6, charges were filed against him for second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful firearm possession, citing his parole conditions prohibiting weapons.

Both men appeared in Boone County court remotely, with judges denying bond. Kavanaugh's preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 10, while Jackson awaits a court date. Police described the event as a targeted confrontation but provided no motive details.

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