BUTLER COUNTY, MO - A man in his thirties has been convicted of eight criminal charges for the 2022 shooting deaths of two women.
The suspect, Stephen Scott, who was 30 at the time of the murders, brought his girlfriend over to a house to visit some people and wound up committing the double murder, Law & Crime reported. He shot two women, Margaret Declour and Wendy Rhodes, in front of a seven-year-old following an argument.
The Missouri Attorney General's Office announced the conviction in a press release, saying a Butler County jury "delivered justice" to the victims' families. Scott was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, and a single count each of abuse or neglect of a child, endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon.
"The evidence showed that Scott was visiting the Rhodes residence that day with his then‑girlfriend," the AG's office said. "Prior to the visit, Scott had stolen a firearm from his grandmother in St. Charles County."
A probable cause affidavit reviewed by KWOC alleged that a witness told investigators they saw Scott arguing with Declour and Rhodes right before he shot them. "During the visit, he used that stolen firearm to shoot both Delcour and Rhodes three times each, killing both women," the AG's office recounted. "Two minors were present in the home at the time of the murders."
The seven-year-old boy witnessed the shooting and his four-year-old brother was also inside the home at the time. Both Declour and Rhodes were shot in the head.
After the shooting, Scott was found at a Walmart in Dexter attempting to enter the store before it opened. He was reportedly taken into custody around 5:00 a.m. after police were called about a suspicious person trying to get in. Scott told police after his arrest that he was high on methamphetamine and committed the double murder because he believed "his life was in danger," according to the affidavit.
"Today's verdict delivers a measure of justice for Margaret Delcour and Wendy Rhodes, and I am grateful to our team, the judge, and the jury for their service," said Attorney General Catherine Hanaway in a statement. "While nothing can undo the harm caused by these tragic and senseless acts, this outcome ensures accountability and puts a dangerous, violent criminal behind bars where he belongs."
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