Man facing murder charge waived extradition to Scott County

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Leon Lamb, 52, waived extradition to Scott County on Wednesday, clearing the way for him to face a murder charge in connection with the 1992 death of Mischelle Lawless.

To “waive extradition” means that a person who is being held in one state or jurisdiction agrees to be transferred to another state or jurisdiction to face charges or prosecution.

Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley said that sets plans in motion for Missouri authorities to go down to Arkansas and bring Lamb back to Scott County. 

“The sheriff’s office will have to bring him back, which will be in the next coming weeks,” he said. “Once he’s back, it’s just our job to house him and make sure he is safe during this judicial process.”

Mischelle Lawless’s former boyfriend, Lamb could be arraigned in Missouri as soon as next week.

Lamb had been held in an Arkansas jail since declining to waive extradition in December 2024.

The case was reopened in June 2023, with Special Prosecutor Allen Moss leading an 18-month investigation.

A Scott County Grand Jury subsequently indicted Lamb after determining sufficient evidence existed to bring the case to trial.

He is charged with the first-degree murder and armed criminal action of Mischelle Lawless.

FOX23 reached out to Lamb’s attorney, Russ Oliver, for comment but have not heard back.