Clay County Deputies Assist in Capture of Homicide Suspect

A coordinated effort between local law enforcement agencies, assisted by cutting-edge technology, led to the arrest of a homicide suspect from Ray County.

In the early morning hours of March 20, the Ray County Sheriff's Office had a critical piece of information—a license plate number—related to a suspect who fled the scene of a deadly shooting in the rural Lawson area. Ray County Sheriff's Office quickly broadcasted this information over the radio to neighboring agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Dispatchers immediately entered the license plate into Clay County's Flock camera system, a network of license plate-reading cameras strategically placed throughout the county. The system is designed to alert law enforcement when a specific plate is detected.

As a result, Clay County deputies were notified that the suspect’s vehicle was headed toward Liberty. The Liberty Police Department located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. However, the driver refused to pull over and fled the scene, prompting Clay County deputies to take over the pursuit.

With the help of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, who deployed a tire deflation device, the suspect's vehicle was eventually brought to a stop. The suspect drove off 152 Highway near Maplewoods Parkway and got stuck. Deputies swiftly took the individual into custody without further incident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also assisting the Ray County Sheriff's Office with the ongoing homicide investigation.

"This is a great example of how teamwork, technology, and coordination between agencies make our communities safer," read a Clay County Sheriff's Office social media post. "By working together, we were able to track and capture a suspect who is now facing serious charges."

The Clay County Sheriff's Office, along with the Liberty Police Department and other local agencies, continues to work in collaboration with Ray County and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to support the ongoing investigation.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Woman in Custody After Fleeing Deputies

Katherine A. Donohoe

A woman is in custody following a dangerous vehicle pursuit on Saturday afternoon that nearly resulted in a collision with a man attending a birthday party. Katherine A. Donohoe, 48, has been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop (a violation of Valentine’s Law) and is being held on a $75,000 bond.

The incident began around 4 pm on March 15, when a deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway. Before attempting to stop the vehicle, the deputy witnessed the SUV running a stop sign and driving southbound in the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. The vehicle eventually corrected its course, but when the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the driver sped off, frequently driving in the wrong lanes.

The pursuit continued until the deputy lost sight of the SUV near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive. A bystander, however, provided directions to where the vehicle had gone. The deputy found the SUV crashed in the woods, but the driver was nowhere to be found.

With the help of additional deputies, Donohoe was located walking on Underground Drive and taken into custody. She was treated for minor injuries. According to the bystander, Donohoe’s vehicle nearly struck him as he was retrieving pizzas for a nearby birthday party. The SUV swerved, hitting a gate before overturning in the woods. Fortunately, there were many vehicles in the business parking lot at the time, but no one was injured.

Further investigation revealed that Donohoe did not have a valid driver's license. She remains in custody at the Detention Center awaiting further legal proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Hosts Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair

The Clay County Sheriff's Office, with help from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty Fire Department and Bike Walk KC, is holding a bike rodeo and safety fair in April. The event will have safety information for young riders plus refreshments, displays, and giveaways.

Event participants will have a chance to meet and visit with Clay County Sheriff's Office deputies and Liberty Fire Department personnel, as well as learn the ABC's of bicycle riding and rules of the road.

The bike rodeo will also have an obstacle course, bicycle inspections. drug awareness trailer and Hidden in Plain Sight walk through display. Kids can bring their own bike or borrow one of Bike Walk KC's bikes (for grades 3 to 6).

Free helmets and free donuts and bottled water will be available while supplies last. New bikes will be raffled off for those present at the event

The bike rodeo and safety fair will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to noon at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N. State 291, Liberty, Mo. This event is free to the public.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Return

The annual Knights of Columbus/Church of Annunciation Fish Fry returns on Friday, March 21 and April 4, from 5 to 7 pm. This popular community event will be serving up a delicious variety of fish, shrimp, and sides that are sure to please.

The meal features your choice of hand-breaded fried fish (swai), baked fish (cod) with a secret recipe, or fried shrimp. The dinner also includes savory sides such as cornbread, fried taters, cole slaw, and the cheesiest homemade baked macaroni and cheese.

Amazing homemade desserts are also available for a $1 donation, making for a sweet end to your meal.

The cost for this feast is just $12.00, which includes coffee, iced tea, and water. Adult beverages are also available for purchase.

The fish fry will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, located at 701 N. Jefferson in Kearney, on Friday, March 21 and April 4, from 5 to 7 pm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

College Association Taps Teacher as Top Talent

Kearney High School math teacher Rachel Heili's combination of experience, skills and attitude add up to one of the best public educators in the state.

Ms. Heili was recently selected as one of Missouri's Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). She is in her second year of teaching at Kearney High School.

Every two years, MACTE honors exemplary first- and second-year teachers across the state for their work with Missouri's PK-12 students. Heili was selected to receive this award by Dr. Barri Tinkler at Missouri State University.

"Rachel is an exceptional educator who exemplifies excellence and dedication to teaching," Dr. Tinkler said. "She utilizes innovative teaching practices and creates a collaborative, student-centered learning environment."

Beyond academics, Heili's compassion and commitment to her students shine through her engagement in their lives and her ability to inspire and support them. She has already established a strong record of excellence.

"I'm thrilled that Rachel is being recognized for her outstanding work here at KHS," Principal Andy Gustafson said. "She's become a vital member of our team and has had a huge positive impact on our students. This honor is well deserved."

Heili is committed to continually improving both her teaching and her students' understanding of the subject. As a dedicated educator, she will remain a passionate ambassador for her profession and for mathematics.

The Outstanding Beginning Teacher awardees were celebrated during the MACTE Spring Conference on Feb. 17 in Columbia. A representative from the association visited Kearney High School on Friday, Feb. 7 to present Heili with a certificate.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.