De Soto man charged with murder in Jefferson County homicide

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Sheriff Dave Marshak announced Monday the arrest and charges of 23-year-old Caleb Hawkins of De Soto in connection with a homicide that occurred Jan. 20.

Hawkins is charged with one count each of murder in the first degree and armed criminal action. Authorities allege that Hawkins shot and killed 45-year-old Joel Kessler of Imperial around 12:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Hawkins’ home in the 4400 block of Victoria Station Road.

Investigators believe Hawkins let Kessler and a second person into the home, retrieved a handgun and shot Kessler multiple times. Kessler was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second person was unharmed.

Hawkins was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is being held without bond.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski’s Office for quickly requesting in-custody warrants. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities say it appears to be an isolated incident, posing no danger to the public.