Man accused in woman's Lake of the Ozarks boating death to be sentenced in 2025

UPDATE 12/12/2024 — A man accused of crashing a boat at Lake of the Ozarks, resulting in a woman's death, has entered an Alford plea and will be sentenced next year.

According to online records, Bobby Childers was in court on Dec. 9, 2024 and entered an Alford plea. A defendant who enters an Alford plea does not admit guilt but concedes that evidence exists that would likely result in a conviction.

Childers will be back in court for sentencing on March 6, 2025.

UPDATE 11/19/2024 — A new trial date has been set for a man accused of boating while intoxicated in 2023.

Online court records show Bobby Childers will appear for a jury trial on Jan. 8, 2025.

Childers is accused of operating a boat and crashing into a breakwater, which killed one woman and injured two other people.

UPDATE 4/25/2024 — A man charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI) in 2023 is set to have his case heard before a jury.

Online court documents show 60-year-old Bobby Childers will appear for a five-day jury trial starting Nov. 18, 2024.

Childers was operating a boat and crashed into a breakwater, killing one woman and injuring two other people. He's charged with BWI resulting in death, BWI resulting in serious physical injury and BWI resulting in physical injury.

Original story:

LAKE OZARK, Mo. — A man who was operating a boat and crashed into a breakwater which killed one woman and injured two people has been charged with multiple offenses.

Bobby Childers, 60, is charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI) resulting in death, BWI resulting in serious physical injury and BWI resulting in physical injury after the accident on Aug. 26, 2023.

Nicolette McKenna, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Two other passengers in the boat were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

According to a probable cause statement, witnesses told police that Childers was purposely jumping waves behind large cruisers and asked to stop by people aboard the boat.

Police asked Childers what happened at the hospital and he stated, "I drank too much," according to the probable cause statement.

A chemical test showed that Childers blood alcohol content was .161, just over double the legal alcohol limit in Missouri.

Childers is scheduled for an appearance in court on Jan. 9, 2024.