A Keytesville man has been charged with second degree murder after an incident on January 20, 2023.

According to court documents, James Johnson has been charged with felonies for second degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, delivery of a controlled substance and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

Johnson stated to authorities, Sherri Laws allegedly shot Jacob Abney of Grandview twice during an alleged attempt to purchase marijuana at a residence in Keytesville. Abney allegedly shot Johnson twice during an exchange of gunfire. Abney was found deceased at the scene. Johnson stated to authorities he is a felon and not supposed to possess a firearm. Johnson has been at University Hospital in Columbia since the incident being treated for the gunshot wounds.

Laws was charged with felonies for second degree murder, armed criminal action, delivery of a controlled substance and two counts of of tampering with physical evidence. Laws pleaded not guilty and has a court date scheduled in Chariton County Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Johnson has previous felony convictions in California and Oregon.

Johnson was served a warrant on Friday, February 10, 2023 and ordered to wear a GPS ankle bracelet at all times.

No court date has been set for Johnson.