Springfield, Mo. ~ A 22-year-old man from Willard, Bodee Melton, has been arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Lavontae Bennett. The Springfield Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 2034 W. Webster St. on June 22, 2025 at 4:14 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found Bennett with a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified of his death.

Melton was booked into the Greene County Jail for second degree murder and the case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor's Office for review of charges. This marks Springfield's sixth homicide investigation in 2025.

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According to authorities, this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. However, detectives are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

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