June year-in-review: Maples murder trial among year's top local stories

Saturday, December 31, 2016

A major story that transpired during the month of June was the trial and eventual first degree murder conviction of former Vernon County resident Jeremy Maples.

The four-day trial, which began June 6, was forced to switch locations due to Bushwhacker Days ---- as the setting moved to Stockton for the final three days.

Maples stood trial for the murder of Belinda J. Beisly, who was shot to death in her home July 15, 2009, just north of Deerfield. Maples was convicted of first degree murder on June 10, as eight men and four women took two hours and 35 minutes to arrive at the verdict.

"Mr. Maples, it is the unanimous finding of the jury that you are guilty of murder in the first degree," said Cass County Circuit Judge, William B. Collins, as he addressed a standing Maples.

Cheers, cries of "Yes!" and loud exhales of relief were heard from family and friends of the late Belinda Beisly.

"No!" and "No he's not!" along with muted sobs and tears came from family and friends of Jeremy Maples.

Meanwhile, Maples himself showed no discernible emotion.

In 2015, charges against Beisly's husband, Bob Beisly II, for complicity in the murder, were dropped.

In August, Maples was handed a life sentence. "Mr. Maples, having been found guilty of murder in the first degree of Belinda J. Beisly, the court hereby orders you to a sentence of life imprisonment, to be served at the direction of the Missouri State Department of Corrections," said Cass County Circuit Judge, William B. Collins, Aug. 5 in Vernon County Circuit Court.

Sentencing came just after Collins denied a defense motion seeking either a retrial or the overturning of the jury's verdict and summary judgment made by the court.

* On Wednesday, June 8, the 2016 Bushwhacker Royalty were crowned: Alekxis Moreland was crowned Miss Pioneer; Elise Moreland, Little Miss; Ally Raney, Junior Miss; Adrian Arnold, Princess for a second year; and Megan Mason, Bushwhacker Queen.

* On June 14, a candlelight vigil was held outside of the Vernon County Courthouse in remembrance of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. Forty-nine people were killed and 53 others wounded.

* Nevada Police Chief Graham Burnley announced his retirement. Burnley's legacy includes the implementation of Crisis Intervention Team training for Nevada police officers, as the program has proven to be highly successful.

* Maci Yount, 11, of Bronaugh, was selected by KCP&L to be featured in the company's first calendar on electrical safety.

"When my mom told me I won, I first said, 'Really?' And then a little later I started to cry because I was so happy," Yount said.

* The basketball court in Sheldon's City Park received a new concrete surface. The project was funded by donations and matching money from the city, while the work was performed by volunteers.

* On June 24, Crestin Lusk and her family installed a lending library in the city park in Walker.

"I thought it was a good idea," Crestin said, "The goal is for kids to have summer access to books."

The Lusk family maintain upkeep for the lending library in Walker and another one in Schell City. Area residents are welcome to donate, borrow, or exchange books with the library

* First responders from the Nevada Fire Department, Deerfield Fire Department, Nevada Police Department, the Vernon County Sheriff's Officer, Vernon County Ambulance District and other public safety agencies gathered at ADM's biodiesel plant in Deerfield June 2 for Vernon County Emergency Management's annual exercise.

* The month of June opened with the Youth Fair Rodeo taking place at the Vernon County Fairgrounds.

* Hannah Bond and Emily Dunlap were recognized by Vernon County Youth Task Force for their contributions to the group and to their school.

* Julie West's Mythbusters class at Nevada Middle School held their 20th annual duct tape regatta. Students built duct tape and cardboard boats and then competed in two events: a timed race across the swimming pool at Walton Park as well as a last-boat-afloat endurance contest.

"They were fun to ride in and fun to build." said Cale McConnaughey.

See page 5A for the March and April year-in-reviews, and 8A for the May year-in-review. Check a future edition for July through December year-in-reviews

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