Springfield, Missouri – A teenage suspect involved in the tragic 2023 shooting that resulted in the death of Chaviz Nguyen has been identified and charged as an adult. Timothy S. Hester, a 17-year-old from Springfield, faces a range of serious charges, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The incident, which took place on November 14, led to the death of Nguyen and left a pregnant woman injured and hospitalized. Hester is scheduled for a bond hearing on April 22, where the severity of the charges against him will be addressed.
In addition to Hester, another individual, Elysha Bedell, 19, is also implicated in the shooting and faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. The involvement of both Hester and Bedell, along with a third juvenile suspect, in the shooting at the intersection of College Avenue and Grant Avenue, has drawn significant attention.
Initially under the jurisdiction of the Greene County Juvenile Office, Hester and the other juvenile had their cases moved to adult court due to the severity of the charges against them. The transition from juvenile to adult court signifies the gravity of the offenses they are accused of committing.
According to details from the Springfield Police Department’s probable cause statement, the shooting occurred while Nguyen and the pregnant woman were in a vehicle, on their way to dinner. The events that unfolded leading to the tragic shooting shed light on the dangerous circumstances that transpired that fateful night.
As the legal process unfolds, Bedell is set to undergo a case management hearing on May 9, further delving into the details surrounding the case. Meanwhile, the third juvenile suspect is currently detained at the Greene County Juvenile Detention Center as the investigation progresses.
With ongoing court proceedings and hearings scheduled, the community awaits justice for the victims of the senseless act of violence that took place on that November evening. The progress in the case against Hester, Bedell, and the other suspect serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the face of such tragic events.