Following the release of body camera footage through a Sunshine Law request, I want to take a moment to address our community directly regarding the tragic events of April 29, 2023.
That night, deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service regarding a peace disturbance at a rural residence near Old Monroe. Upon arrival, they encountered a large, unsupervised gathering of juveniles and a significant number of vehicles. Despite suspicions that underage drinking may have occurred prior to their arrival, deputies did not witness any active use of alcohol or drugs, nor did they observe any behavior that provided probable cause to believe any juvenile was impaired or committing a crime.
It is important to understand that Missouri law requires specific and articulable facts such as visible intoxication or possession before law enforcement may lawfully detain a juvenile. In this case, those legal thresholds were not met. Additionally, body camera footage confirms that the deputies had no direct contact with the young individuals who were later involved in the fatal crash.
The responding deputies focused on identifying responsible parties, and notifying an adult family member of the property owner. At that point, the adult directed all attendees to leave. Deputies remained on site to assist in safely clearing the crowd, estimated at approximately 200 juveniles.
The heartbreak caused by this tragedy is profound. As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain experienced by the families who lost their children that night. My thoughts and continued prayers are with them.
While this incident remains the subject of ongoing civil litigation, and while we are limited in what we can say beyond the legal filings, I want the people of Lincoln County to know that our deputies acted within the law, their authority and with professionalism and concern for public safety. The body camera footage reflects that.
We remain committed to transparency, to the lawful protection of our community, and to holding ourselves to the highest standards of public service. This office stands by the actions of the deputies who responded that night and we will continue to serve with integrity and accountability.
Sheriff Rick Harrell
