On February 1, 2025, officers in Moberly, Missouri, responded to reports of gunfire on the 500 block of North Moulton Street and found 37-year-old Donald Gene Hickem, known as DJ, unresponsive with fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead and the Randolph County Coroner ruled the manner of death a homicide.

Investigators identified 37-year-old Timothy T. Turner of Columbia as the primary suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. Officers located Turner that same day at a Raleigh Drive residence in Columbia. Turner was inside with an adult female and several children; negotiators tried to make contact. When Turner exited armed with a knife, officers used less-lethal measures, including a K-9, and members of the Columbia Police Department SWAT team fired on Turner. He was struck, given medical aid, and later pronounced dead. Four officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending an internal review.

Hickem worked at the Walmart Distribution Center in Moberly, was born in Columbia, attended Hickman High School, and is survived by two children, his parents, and a sister. Funeral services were held at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia. If anyone knew Gene or has information about the shooting in Moberly, please come forward.