Man Shot in Moberly Thursday Has Died

A man who was shot Thursday night near 300 E. Burkhart in Moberly has died. 49-year-old Mitchell Nickerson of Moberly was previously in critical condition after Moberly Police found a bullet hole near his temple. Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Luntsford says the current charges for 79-year-old Jerry Fitzwater for assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon still stand.

According to the probable cause statement, 79-year-old Jerry Fitzwater of Moberly told police he did not know Nickerson by name, but admitted he shot him because he believed Nickerson was a drug dealer who had sold drugs to children. Fitzwater had also seen Nickerson earlier in the day at a nearby house that he also owns and rents out, and said he had problems with his tenants selling drugs. Fitzwater admitted to firing two rounds, hitting Nickerson with the second.

Fitzwater is being held at the Randolph County Jail without bond.