Suspect charged after West Water Street shooting that left one dead
SPRINGFIELD — The Greene County prosecutor filed charges Monday against a man accused of fatally shooting another man during an altercation Sunday evening on the city's west side.
Darvin Toman, 36, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the death of 32-year-old Paxton Barnett, officials said. A judge ordered Toman held without bond pending further proceedings.
Springfield Police officers were called to the 2500 block of West Water Street just before 8 p.m. Sunday for reports of a shooting, according to a department statement. Barnett was transported to a Springfield hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
“He shot a man in Springfield and hoped the man died.”
The quote, provided by investigators, came from a witness in neighboring Lawrence County who said the witness was told by the suspect that he had shot someone in Springfield and wished for the victim’s death. Police listed the witness as part of their investigation, and those comments were cited in the charging documents.
What authorities reported
Springfield Police have said the shooting followed a physical altercation between parties. Beyond the immediate facts released by the department and the prosecutor’s office, investigators have not released additional details about the motive or the specific sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Officials with the Greene County prosecutor’s office filed the criminal counts Monday. Under Missouri law, a second-degree murder charge generally applies when an unlawful killing is committed with malice but without premeditation. Armed criminal action is a separate felony that stems from using or displaying a weapon in committing a felony.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 2500 block of W. Water Street, Springfield |
| Date/Time | Shortly before 8 p.m., Sunday |
| Victim | Paxton Barnett, 32 (later died at hospital) |
| Accused | Darvin Toman, 36 — charged with 2nd-degree murder and armed criminal action; held without bond |
Local context and next steps
Shootings that result from physical confrontations raise concerns about street-level violence and public safety in neighborhoods around Springfield. West Water Street is a mixed residential and commercial corridor. Authorities said they are continuing to investigate the circumstances and gather evidence, including witness statements.
The case will proceed through the Greene County criminal court system. Because Toman has been charged and is in custody with no bond, pretrial scheduling and any further motions will be handled by the court. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.
- Police ask anyone with information to contact Springfield Police Department investigators.
- The Greene County prosecutor’s office filed the charges, but all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
- Officials have not released details about possible weapon type, motive beyond the altercation, or whether additional suspects are being sought.
Community members and local leaders often point to incidents such as this when discussing strategies for preventing violence and improving neighborhood safety. City and county officials have previously outlined programs aimed at conflict intervention and community policing — though specific responses to this case will depend on the investigation’s findings and any recommendations from prosecutors or police.
Further updates will be provided as court documents and official statements become available from the Springfield Police Department and the Greene County prosecutor’s office.
