New charges could be brought against six Missouri residents who are accused of assaulting a man during a robbery on July 24. According to reports, the 82-year-old man died on Aug. 14.
According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found the man still in his home the next day after his van had been found on a farm. Authorities reported that two rifles and coin collections were taken in the alleged burglary. It was not clear from reports if all six charged were present during the alleged incident, but all could face additional charges if the autopsy shows that the man died as a result of his injuries.
So far, a 43-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were both charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree assault, stealing, felonious restraint and two counts of stealing a firearm. A 35-year-old man was similarly charged, with the addition of two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. A 57-year-old is facing charges of first-degree assault causing serious physical injury and burglary. A 24-year-old woman was charged with receiving stolen property, and a 34-year-old woman was charged with receiving stolen property and possessing burglary tools.
Sometimes during a criminal case, additional evidence is presented by authorities or other circumstances occur that can significantly change the course of the case. In the event that a person injured dies, it can mean that the charges — and the penalties — are increased to murder or manslaughter instead of assault. In these types of cases, attorneys may have to adjust the defense strategy to account for the changes.
Source: Waynesville Daily Guide, “Elderly Swedeborg robbery victim dies in hospital” Mandy Matney, Aug. 14, 2014
