On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Brunswick, Missouri, was the scene of a shooting that left one person injured and sparked an ongoing investigation by the Chariton County Sheriff’s Office. Just two days later, authorities announced the arrest of a local man on multiple child sex crime charges, highlighting a week of significant law enforcement activity in the county.
Shooting in Brunswick
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Chariton County 911 dispatched deputies to a reported shooting in the 200 block of North Wood Street in Brunswick, Missouri. When deputies and first responders arrived, they located an individual who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound to the thigh. The victim was quickly transported to a hospital in Columbia for further medical treatment. At this time, the condition of the victim has not been publicly released, and authorities continue to withhold the identity pending notification of family members.
According to Sheriff Billups, one person was detained at the scene and taken to the Chariton County Sheriff’s Department for questioning. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Law enforcement has not confirmed any motive or whether additional arrests will occur, but the public is urged to remain alert and report any relevant information to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Brunswick Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Chariton County Ambulance District, and other first responders provided assistance at the scene. Sheriff Billups praised the rapid coordination between agencies, noting that their swift response helped ensure the safety of the victim and bystanders. Residents in the area were reportedly shaken by the incident, and community members have expressed concern about local safety.
Arrest in Sexual Assault Case
In a separate investigation, the Chariton County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Brunswick man following allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. On June 6, 2025, Deputy Brown was contacted by the Missouri Children’s Division after an emergency hotline report alleged that a minor had been sexually assaulted. The Sheriff’s Office launched a thorough investigation, which included interviews, evidence collection, and a detailed review of the allegations. A probable cause statement was submitted to the Chariton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation was complete.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Prosecuting Attorney Cliff Thornburg formally filed charges against Kenneth Ray Paul Jr. of Brunswick. The charges include multiple counts of first-degree rape or attempted rape, first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy, fourth-degree child molestation involving a victim under the age of seventeen, and one count of third-degree assault. A warrant for Paul’s arrest was issued by Judge Vandeloecht, with no bond authorized, and Paul was taken into custody the same day. Authorities emphasized that all individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Sheriff’s Office commended the diligent work of deputies involved in the investigation and expressed gratitude to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for its assistance. Sheriff Billups highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the community and ensuring Chariton County remains a safe and secure place to live. Community leaders have echoed the Sheriff’s statements, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspicious or concerning activity to local authorities.
These two cases, occurring within the same week, underscore the broad range of responsibilities managed daily by the Chariton County Sheriff’s Office, from responding to violent incidents to conducting thorough investigations into sensitive and complex allegations. Sheriff Billups encouraged residents to remain informed, to exercise caution when necessary, and to support law enforcement efforts in maintaining public safety.
Both the shooting in Brunswick and the arrest of Kenneth Ray Paul Jr. remain under active investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available, and the public is urged to follow official channels for verified reports.
