October 7th, 2026 Local News
Imperial, Mo. (KFMO) - A 63-year-old Imperial woman is facing charges after a shooting Thursday night left her ex-husband dead.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says Catherine M. Koechling of Imperial is charged with Domestic Assault in the First Degree - Serious Physical Injury and Armed Criminal Action for allegedly shooting 61-year-old Eric Koechling at the couple’s home in the 2600 block of Breakwater Drive.
Deputies responded to the residence at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday for a report of a shooting.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies found Eric Koechling outside at a neighbor’s residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.
The probable cause statement filed Friday provides additional details about the investigation.
According to authorities, 911 dispatch received a call from Eric Koechling, who said he had been shot by his spouse, Catherine Koechling. Dispatch also received a call from Catherine Koechling, who reportedly said she had shot the victim.
When deputies arrived, Eric Koechling was located at a neighbor’s residence with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper torso. The probable cause statement says he again told deputies that Catherine had shot him.
Deputies established a perimeter around the residence, and crisis negotiators made contact with Catherine Koechling, who was inside the home.
According to the probable cause statement, Koechling told crisis negotiators that she had shot her husband.
Koechling eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.
A search warrant was later executed at the residence, and investigators recovered evidence they say was consistent with a shooting.
The Sheriff’s Office says Koechling is currently in custody but is not being held at the Jefferson County Jail. She is at a hospital receiving treatment unrelated to her arrest and is expected to ultimately be held at the jail without bond.
Investigators also determined that Catherine and Eric Koechling had recently divorced.
The probable cause statement identifies Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action as offenses detectives believe Koechling committed. The Sheriff’s Office however says that she is charged with Domestic Assault in the First Degree - Serious Physical Injury and Armed Criminal Action.
This was the second domestic-related homicide to which Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies responded Thursday.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released when appropriate.