One arrested in connection with New Year's shooting near Club Rodeo

UPDATE 1/2/2025 — The Springfield Police Department (SPD) has made an arrest in connection to a shooting near Club Rodeo on New Year's Day.

According to court documents, Marquese Shydrich Gaten, 22, of Springfield, was arrested on two charges of stealing and three charges of tampering with physical evidence.

A probable cause statement said on Jan. 1, at 2:10 a.m., Springfield Police responded to 1919 W. Bennett Street about a subject being shot. The victim, David Franklin, was found with a gunshot wound and was later declared deceased at the scene.

The suspect, Gaten, arrived back at the scene to turn himself into the police at 4:00 a.m.

During Gaten's interview, he stated Franklin had been threatening him throughout the night and brandished a handgun on multiple occasions.

Gaten said he first saw Franklin at 2032 W. Bennett Street. and both ended up at 1919 W Bennett Street. According to Gaten's statement, Franklin had his hand on his gun and lifted it up, prompting Gaten to fire his gun at him.

Gaten said he panicked and picked up Franklin's gun and cell phone off of the ground and fled.

Gaten was given a ride back to his car parked at 2032 W. Bennett Street and fled the area. Gaten said he threw out Franklin's cell phone and both guns out the window.

Gaten agreed to show police where he believed the phone and guns were. Only the phone was located.

Gaten is being held in the Greene County Jail without bond.

Original story:

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A person was found dead after being shot overnight in west Springfield. 

The Springfield Police Department says 23-year-old David Franklin died in the parking lot of the post office in the 1900 block of W. Bennett. The parking lot is across the street from Club Rodeo. Officers responded to the scene around 2 a.m.

Officers say Franklin was shot and died after receiving some aid. SPD has not yet confirmed if the shooting stemmed from an incident at Club Rodeo on New Year's Eve. SPD says there is some information regarding suspects.

"The suspects did flee from the scene," said Lieutenant John Loe with SPD. "We do not have anyone in custody at this time. We don't think anything is danger for the community."

While on scene, OzarksFirst saw a car pull up and two people were taken away in police cars after speaking with officers. Lieutenant Loe confirmed those people were taken to SPD headquarters for questioning. 

Police are continuing to investigate, we will update this article as more information becomes available.