Corey Thames, 43, was fatally shot on November 26, 2022, at J. Pfenny’s restaurant and bar in downtown Jefferson City during a late-night altercation. The confrontation occurred near the front door; witnesses and court documents say another man, later identified as Damien Davis of Kansas City, produced a firearm and opened fire. Thames and a 26-year-old employee, Skylar Smock, were both struck and died at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing Davis walk past the bodies with a smirk.

Davis, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm, was arrested and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder plus five other felonies. He reportedly admitted to shooting Thames and said Smock’s death was unintentional; the Cole County prosecutor has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty, citing prior violent convictions and the danger posed during the shooting. Davis remains held in the Cole County Jail without bond awaiting trial.

If anyone was at J. Pfenny’s that night or has information about the incident, please share what was seen or heard.