In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 18, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of shots fired at Clearview Church, 11198 Highway E (northeast of Versailles) in Morgan County.

Arriving deputies located spent 9mm shell casings and obvious damage to the church. After further investigation, it was discovered that not less than 50 rounds from 9mm pistols had been fired into the church.

During this investigation, it was also learned that a church south of Latham, Mo., in Moniteau County, was also vandalized.

Four suspects were identified and taken into custody over the course of the day. During their arrests, three 9mm handguns, with ammunition, and a vehicle were seized.

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Two of the suspects were juveniles, ages 14 and 17. Those two suspects were transferred to the Juvenile Justice Center in Camdenton, Mo., where they are currently being held.

Arrested on Saturday afternoon were:

18-year-old Zachary Stauffer. He was charged by Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dustin Dunklee with 1st degree property damage, armed criminal action and 2nd degree property damage motivated by discrimination (hate crime). Stauffer was given no bond.

18-year-old Bryce D. Martin, Fortuna. He was charged by Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dustin Dunklee with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, 1st degree property damage and 2nd degree property damage motivated by discrimination (hate crime). Martin was given no bond.

Both remained in the Morgan County Jail.

“This is an ongoing investigation and evidence is continuing to be seized. An incident at a second church in Morgan County is still under investigation,” according to Morgan County Sheriff Norman Dills.

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