August 17th, 2026 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Desloge man is facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, after a shooting Monday night in the Potosi area left one person dead and another seriously injured.
According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence on the night of July 13, 2026.
Investigators say a witness had dropped the suspect, identified as James Leonard Lucia Bess of Desloge, off at the residence. Shortly after Bess entered the home, the witness reported hearing gunshots. The witness then located Bess with a firearm and was able to take the weapon away before law enforcement arrived.
Deputies took Bess into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, authorities say Bess admitted to shooting individuals inside the residence. He was transported to the Washington County Jail.
Inside the home, deputies found one male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the lower abdomen and upper thigh. The victim told investigators he was shot after Bess entered the residence. The injured man was airlifted to a St. Louis-area hospital for treatment.
A second victim was discovered deceased in a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities say those injuries proved fatal.
Investigators also recovered a firearm believed to have had its serial number removed.
James Leonard Lucia Bess has been charged with two counts of Armed Criminal Action, First-Degree Assault, First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, and two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. His bond has been set at $2 million.
The investigation remains ongoing.