Man sentenced to 15 years for Dexter Walmart parking lot shooting

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Mo., (KBSI) — A man convicted in connection with a shooting in the Dexter Walmart parking lot was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison, according to the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Romel K. Rey was found guilty of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon stemming from a Jan. 30, 2024, shooting in Dexter.

Authorities said Rey fired a 9mm Glock handgun four to five times at a moving vehicle in the Walmart parking lot after an argument during a drug transaction meeting.

Investigators recovered shell casings and other evidence at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Judge Blake Pearson sentenced Rey to 12 years for first-degree assault, 12 years for unlawful use of a weapon and an additional three years for armed criminal action. Prosecutors said the sentence will total 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The case was heard in Scott County Circuit Court after a change of venue request by the defense.

The Dexter Police Department investigated the shooting. Charges were filed within 24 hours of the incident, according to prosecutors.