Joplin police said Saturday that the Jasper County prosecutor’s office has charged 39 year old Jeffery L. Bruner of Joplin with felony murder and armed criminal action in the death of 37-year-old Derek Moore. Moore died from injuries after he was shot Friday night as he left a Joplin movie theater.
“It is not a random shooting. It was targeted,” Sgt. Jared Delzell told media outlets. Delzell said the motive is under investigation.
Bruner is being held without bond in Joplin. Jail officials say it’s not clear if he has a lawyer.
Moore was in his first year as a Missouri Southern offensive line coach. He came to MSSU after three seasons at Western Illinois.
The university canceled homecoming activities and said in a statement the school was “stunned and deeply saddened” by Moore’s death.
“The Missouri Southern athletics community is deeply saddened by the events that have occurred,” said Athletics Director Jared Bruggeman. “In times like this, our priority is to make sure we are there for our student-athletes, coaches and support staff in whatever way necessary.”
Missouri Southern was scheduled to host Lindenwood University from St. Charles, Mo.