A former Fenton man is dead, and a former Dittmer man is facing a felony charge following the accidental discharge of a gun in the drive-thru lane at the Jack in the Box in Desloge, according to court documents.
Scott Jones, 22, formerly of Fenton, died Sunday, March 5, from a gunshot wound to his back below his right shoulder, authorities reported.
Kyle Christopher Walters, 25, whose address is listed as Dittmer in court records, was charged Monday, March 6, in St. Francois County with first-degree manslaughter, a class C felony that carries a penalty of three to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
He was released from the St. Francois County Jail on Tuesday, March 7, on a $50,000 bond.
According to the probable-cause statement, Desloge Police received a call at 6:09 a.m. March 5 about an unconscious person at the fast-food restaurant, 1208 N. Desloge Drive.
Desloge Police Chief Jebo Bullock said the responding police officer started CPR and continued it until St. Francois County Ambulance District personnel arrived. The man was taken to Parkland Health Center North in Bonne Terre where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Two witnesses told police they were waiting in line at the drive-thru when Walters allegedly discharged the weapon, the probable-cause statement said.
Bullock said Walters, a passenger in the back seat, had the 9mm handgun out and was messing with it when it discharged, striking the driver.
Walters reportedly admitted to possessing the 9mm handgun and discharging it.
Bullock said all those in the vehicle currently live near Doe Run, which is outside Farmington.