05/18/2026
DEFENDANT CONVICTED / SENTENCED TO SERVE FIFTEEN YEARS IN MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR SHOOTING AT VEHICLE IN DEXTER WALMART PARKING LOT
St v Romel K Rey (24SO-CR00234)
BENTON, MO - Prosecutor Sawyer Smith appeared in Division I court in Scott County on Thursday, May 14, 2026, on behalf of the State, for the conviction and sentencing hearing of Defendant Romel K Rey. PA Smith previously filed the following charges in Stoddard County against Defendant on January 30, 2024: Assault 1st Degree (class B felony), Armed Criminal Action (unclassified felony), and Unlawful Use of Weapon (class B felony). Defendant Rey was adjudicated guilty of each count and received a 12-year sentence as to the first, 12-year sentence as to the third, and an additional 3-year sentence as to the second, making a consecutive total of 15-year prison sentence. This sentence was handed down by the Honorable Judge Blake Pearson who presided over the matter in Scott County Circuit Court by way of venue change per Defendant's request.
The underlying facts of the offenses stem from January 30, 2024, when it was reported that Defendant had discharged a handheld fi***rm, specifically a .9mm G***k pistol, four to five times at a moving vehicle in the Dexter Walmart parking lot after a drug transaction meeting turned into an argument. Shell casings and other evidence was recovered and documented. Nobody was hurt or injured by the shooting. Dexter Police Department was the investigative law enforcement agency and referred the probable cause affidavit to this Office which led to charges being filed within a 24-hour time window.
"The very violent and dangerous nature of these offenses greatly concerned the State, as well as Defendant's lack of remorse for committing the crimes, which is why we never let off in prosecuting Defendant in this case seeking his prison commitment. We prioritize community safety and protecting the public from such things as stray bullets at a shopping center (which in this instance could have easily harmed or killed an innocent bystander or bystanders) to the extent we are able. We are thankful this situation did not become worse, and we believe that the fifteen-year total prison sentence is just punishment for the Defendant's felonious conduct. This sentence should continue a deterrent effect in Stoddard County - where it has become well known and established that violent shootings that happen here will be zealously and justly prosecuted. I would remind all that recently in December 2025, a man was prosecuted and sentenced to a total 25-year prison sentence for shooting a weapon at a law enforcement officer in Stoddard County. This approach is necessary and important to achieve justice and prevent the victimization of local citizens."
Sawyer Smith, Prosecuting Attorney
Missouri BAR Number 73426
* This press statement is made to serve legitimate law enforcement purposes and to provide transparency regarding the prosecution and procedure of the case. This press statement should not be read to heighten condemnation of the Defendant. No further details are being released at this time. *
