Prosecutors announce charges in Independence shooting that killed officer, process server
Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on Friday announced criminal charges for a man alleged to have fatally shot a Jackson County civil process server and Independence police officer and wounded two other police officers.
Larry D. Acree, 69, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of Jackson County civil process server Drexel Mack, 41, and Independence police officer Cody Allen, 35. He is also accused of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, and Baker said additional criminal charges are expected.
“This is a really — it’s a hard day,” Baker said at Friday morning’s news conference announcing charges at the Independence Police Department. “I think all of us would like to roll back the clock at least a few hours” to avoid this.
As of late Friday morning, Acree was being treated in a hospital for injuries resulting from the police-involved shooting. He is in law enforcement custody on a $2 million cash bond and will be transferred to the Jackson County jail once he recovers.
The shooting unfolded after 1 p.m. Thursday on the front porch of a home in northeastern Independence, where police were called to assist a civil process server who called for help while carrying out an eviction. Authorities say Mack took fire after entering the home Thursday and fell, and three police officers were shot when they responded to help him.
According to a police affidavit filed Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court, an eviction notice had been placed on Acree’s door at s 1111 N. Elsea Smith Road, Independence, on Feb. 23. Acree lost his home over back taxes, court records show.
Mack, a court employee for 12 years, and another civil process server were there to carry out the eviction. Both were carrying firearms in line with common practices of their duties.
After knocking at the door and announcing themselves, no response was heard and a property maintenance person drilled off the locks. Gunfire erupted from within and Mack fell at the front door after entering, the affidavit says.
Police officers were called there by the other civil court employee. Allen was struck in the head by another round of gunfire from the home, the affidavit says, as well as a second officer struck in the abdomen. Officers returned fire at Acree, the affidavit says, and ultimately took him into custody with injuries described as minor.
The police affidavit filed Friday makes no mention of the third officer shot. Baker said her office was working toward filing additional criminal charges in Acree’s case.
Several questions remain unanswered as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances behind the shooting. Asked Friday whether Acree is believed to have ambushed the civil officers and police, Baker said she would follow the evidence in the case.
“Ambush is a strong word, but it may be one that’s fitting here,” she said.
Also not confirmed were what firearm or firearms Acree used. As of Friday, Acree faced no charges related to the possession of any weapons.
Deputy Chief Jason Petersen said the department was working to take care of Allen’s family and other injured officers as well as their families.
“We appreciate the amazing support of our Independence community, and thank you all for the kind words and gestures. And know that together we will get through this,” Petersen said.
Jackson County Presiding Judge Jalilah Otto said because the case involves a court employee that all judges would recuse themselves because of conflicts of interest. A process was underway to have the Missouri Supreme Court appoint a judge from outside of Jackson County.
Baker extended her condolences to the families of both Mack and Allen, saying hearts are heavy for Independence police and the Jackson County Circuit Court.
Independence Mayor Rory Rowland said the city is grieving the loss of two public servants. Of Allen, the mayor said in an emotional statement, that his “bravery and dedication will be forever remembered.”
The Star’s Laura Bauer and Judy Thomas contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 1, 2024 at 11:08 AM.
