Crime & Safety
Jefferson County, MO Homicide: Woman Charged After Fatal Shooting
An out-of-focus, abstract view of emergency lights at night. The scene is dominated by blurred, vibrant circles of red, blue, and white light against a dark background, suggesting a police cruiser or emergency vehicle presence in low light.
Photo: Country Herald
Jefferson County, MO – A 63-year-old Imperial woman faces charges after allegedly shooting her former husband at a Jefferson County home Thursday night, triggering an hourslong barricade and SWAT response before she surrendered, authorities said.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 9 p.m. Thursday to a reported shooting in the 2600 block of Breakwater Drive. They found 61-year-old Eric Koechling outside the home, bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound.
Deputies established a perimeter and protected emergency medical personnel as they treated Koechling. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Authorities identified the suspect as 63-year-old Catherine M. Koechling. Investigators allege she shot Eric Koechling before barricading herself inside the residence and refusing commands to come outside.
The sheriff's office deployed its Crisis Response Team and SWAT Team. After several hours of negotiations, Catherine Koechling surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident, officials said.
She is charged with first-degree domestic assault causing serious physical injury and armed criminal action. The sheriff's office said she was admitted to a hospital for treatment unrelated to her arrest and is expected to eventually be held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.
Investigators said Catherine and Eric Koechling had recently divorced.
Sheriff Dave Marshak said the case was the second domestic-related homicide Jefferson County deputies responded to Thursday. Both investigations remain active.
The Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office assisted authorities in obtaining an arrest warrant.
The charges are allegations. Catherine Koechling is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
