5 people charged in 2012 death

KENNETT, Mo. -- Three years after the death of 31-year-old Jonathan Coffer, James Calvin Furlow and Jessica Chapin face charges of second-degree murder, second-degree robbery and tampering with evidence. Larry Lance, Jennifer Cauble and Derrick Furlow also face tampering charges in connection with the case, according to the Daily Dunklin Democrat. According to a probable-cause statement, on Nov. 10, 2012, Furlow struck Coffer during an argument in a home at the 1500 block of George Street in Kennett and took items from him while he was incapacitated. Coffer died there. Dunklin County Coroner James Powell estimated Coffer was dead about three hours before 911 was called. A pathologist listed Coffer's probable cause of death as methamphetamine intoxication and found superficial blunt-force injuries to the head, upper and lower extremities and chest area, although none of the injuries could have been fatal. Chapin, Cauble and Derrick Furlow will be back in court Dec. 3 before Associate Circuit Judge John Spielman.

Man accused of shooting wife's leg

COOTER, Mo. -- A husband is in jail after allegedly shooting his wife in the leg. Billy Wayne Renfroe, 63, is charged with armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree assault, according to Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell. During a 911 call early Friday, Renfroe's wife told police officers Renfroe had shot her during an argument, reported the Standard Democrat. The victim was airlifted to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, for treatment of the wound. Renfroe will be arraigned at 10 a.m. Monday in Pemiscot County Circuit Court. He is in the Pemiscot County Jail, with his bond set at $200,000.

Man kicks kitten in front of cops

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Poplar Bluff man is in jail after allegedly kicking a kitten across a room in front of police. Poplar Bluff officers arrested Steven Watson, 53, of the 900 block of Cherry Street, on Wednesday at his home on suspicion of animal abuse, according to the Daily American Republic. He was booked at the Butler County Jail. According to arrest reports, police went to Watson's home for a report of a domestic dispute. As police questioned Watson, he grew agitated, and officers moved to separate the parties. Watson told police he was going back inside. As he entered the door, a small kitten crossed his path. According to police, Watson kicked the kitten about 12 feet across the room. Police say the kitten did not sustain life-threatening injuries and is doing OK.

Dexter schools adopt transgender policy

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter School Board last week voted 3-2 to adopt a policy to accommodate transgender students. Such a policy was recommended by the Missouri Consultants for Education, reported The Daily Statesman. "First and foremost," Dexter superintendent Mitch Wood stated, "I want the community to understand that by adopting these policies, the Dexter R-XI School District is not regarding or disregarding our own personal beliefs to another gender expression. We are simply putting policies in place that will protect our district and students from future frivolous lawsuits." The policy addresses specific needs for transgender students, including assigning neutral restroom facilities in each building on campus, granting permission for a transgender student to select a first name and pronoun that more closely matches their gender identity, issues about apparel and other accommodations.

-- From staff reports