Murder charges have been filed against a 27-year-old St Joseph man in connection with a fatal shooting at a local bar early Thursday morning.
A first court appearance is scheduled Tuesday for Alfredo Villegas-Rosa, charged with 2nd Degree Murder in the death of John Baynham Jr.
At about 1:30am, police were dispatched to the First & Last Chance Tavern at 1817 Garfield. Officers found the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins issued a news release which noted that a fight occured at the bar and the defendant “produced a handgun and allegedly fired three shots at the victim striking him at lest once.” According to court documents, the suspect fled from the scene and was later apprehended leaving the area. Investigators say Villegas-Rosa was positively identified by witnesses as the one who fired the shots.
A judge has denied bond. In a court affidavit, a police detective notes that the defendant has been arrested four times for Failure to Appear, and had an outstanding warrant when he was arrested. Detective Chris Davis says the defendant has no job and no long-term ties to the community. Villegas-Rosa was described as a flight risk with significant ties to his home in Puerto Rico.
According to the affidavit, Villegas-Rosa has convictions for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Domestic Assault in Missouri and has a criminal history in Iowa as well.