Former deputy charged with murder of Strotkamp, Durham

Charges were filed Monday in Dent and Cole counties. Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Sid Pearson charged Rice with two counts of first degree murder.

Dent County Sheriff Rick Stallings said the double homicide occurred at a rural county residence just past Highway FF north of Salem.

Allegedly, Rice had a child, 2, in common with Durham, according to the release from the sheriff's department. The child was with Durham at a rural residence in northern Dent County, along with another of Durham's children, 6, and Strotkamp.

Rice went to the residence demanding the 2-year-old child be returned to his custody, according to the release. An argument ensued and Rice displayed a handgun. Durham took the older child into another room. That child reported that she then heard gunshots. Durham left the child in the bedroom and went back out to the front of the house. The child reported she heard more shots and a car leave. She ran to a neighbor, who called authorities.

Both children were found unharmed and placed with the Division of Family Services.

Law enforcement was able to determine through Rice's cell phone that he was northbound on Highway 63. Other agencies were notified and, reportedly, a deputy from the Osage County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop Rice's vehicle. Rice failed to stop and a pursuit ensued, ending at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, where Rice fled on foot. Rice was pursued into the hotel by the deputy and officers of the Jefferson City Police Department. Shots were exchanged, and Rice was shot twice and injured, according to the sheriff's report.

Rice was in stable condition at University Hospital Sunday, Stallings said.

Stallings also said an agreement was worked out with the Cole County Sheriff's Department to house Rice there when he gets out of the hospital.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Sid Pearson said Sunday he will meet with Highway Patrol officers Monday to review probable cause statements before filing charges.

Rice was terminated at the sheriff's office in early 2009, Stallings said. Rice previously served as a police officer in Houston.

See Tuesday's edition of The Salem New for more information.