On the early morning of December 3, 2023, a domestic dispute in a house on East McPherson Street in Kirksville, Missouri, ended in gunfire. Police were called shortly after 1:19 a.m. and found 65-year-old Steve Conyers suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead about an hour later; an autopsy later confirmed five gunshot wounds.

Conyers was a longtime Kirksville resident and a graduate of Kirksville High School’s Class of 1976. He served four years in the U.S. Navy as a heavy equipment operator and later worked as a dry waller. Family and friends remembered him as an avid gardener and a talented cook who enjoyed time with loved ones. His survivors include brothers, a son, and extended family.

At the scene officers encountered his 34-year-old son, Cory Conyers, who was taken into custody as the primary suspect. Authorities say the father and son had been involved in a domestic dispute that escalated. Cory was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree domestic assault, and two counts of armed criminal action and was held without bond. If anyone knew Steve or has information about that night, please share what is known.