Audrain County prosecutor releases shooting suspect without charge pending further investigation

COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMIZ)

The Audrain County prosecutor said Tuesday he has declined to file charges against a man accused of killing his brother pending further investigation.

Stephen L. Welch, 30, was accused of shooting and killing his brother Christopher S. Welch, 36, in Mexico about 6 p.m. Sunday. Police and prosecutors have not released details about what led to the shooting.

Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger wrote in a statement Tuesday that he declined to press charges “at this time” and released Stephen Welch from custody.

“This does NOT mean that no charges will be filed in this case,” Shellabarger wrote. “I reserve the right to file charges at a later date.”

An autopsy and toxicology exam are pending, Shellabarger wrote, and police are continuing their investigation.

Shellabarger wrote that he could say no more for reasons of judicial ethics and out of respect for those affected by the shooting.