Independence man charged with murder after 1 killed during reported home invasion
An Independence man has been charged with felony murder after a person he was with was fatally shot during a home invasion, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Richard D. Saettone II, 39, who is also charged with second-degree burglary, allegedly told police he and another man, Robert Shinneman, went to an Independence apartment to steal drugs and money when a resident shot and killed Shinneman, a probable case statement said.
Independence police were called to investigate the shooting around 3 a.m. Sept. 22 at the apartment complex in the 1200 block of South Scott Avenue.
The resident told police he was watching television at the apartment when he heard his windows rattling. Believing someone was trying to break in, he said he pulled back the drapes and announced he had a gun.
He said he then heard someone behind him and saw an individual wearing a mask and holding a gun, court records state.
The resident fired one shot, and the person fell to the floor. He fled the apartment and dialed 911. The resident told police he wasn’t sure if anyone else was with the individual he shot.
At the scene, police noticed that the front door was damaged and unsecured. They found Shinneman, 45, who was deceased. Court records state Shinneman was wearing a ski mask and gloves, and a gun was found near his feet.
Later, a confidential source with knowledge on the matter tipped police off to Saettone’s alleged involvement in the attempted robbery, court records said.
Saettone was taken into custody for questioning Monday. According to court records, Saettone allegedly admitted to his role in the incident and stated that he and Shinneman intended to go to the apartment to take cash and methamphetamine. He stated his role was to be on the lookout for police while Shinneman forced his way inside.
The prosecutor’s office filed charges against Saettone on Thursday in connection with the September killing and break-in. Bond for Saettone was set at $100,000.
Saettone is in federal custody in regard to a separate case. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City states Saettone was charged earlier this week with conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine.
An attorney has not yet been listed in public records for Saettone in the state case.
The Star has reached out to an attorney representing Saettone in the federal case for comment.
