Suspect in death of Independence officer, process server booked into jail
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 69-year-old man charged in the deadly shootings of an Independence officer and Jackson County civil process server is now in jail.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday night that Larry Acree was released from the hospital and booked into the Jackson County Detention Center.
Acree has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and one count of first-degree assault.
Prosecutors say Acree shot and killed Independence Officer Cody Allen and process server Drexel Mack. Two other officers were also injured.
Memorial service announced for fallen Jackson County process server Drexel Mack
He’s being held on a $2 million cash-only bond.
The deadly shooting happened around 1 p.m. outside a house in the area of N. Elsea Smith Road and E. Bundschu Road, near 40 Highway, in Independence.
Officials said it happened as process servers were trying to serve an eviction Thursday, Feb. 29.
Court records say on Feb. 23, Mack had already put a “notice to vacate” at the property as the result of a writ of possession, or eviction process, completed in 2023.
Charging documents say Mack and two others arrived at the home Thursday to physically evict the property owner and used tools to remove a padlock from the gated drive.
Funeral services announced for fallen Independence Officer Cody Allen
After knocking and announcing their presence, they didn’t receive a response or any indication that the home was occupied, according to court records. They drilled out the front door lock and entered the home. That’s when prosecutors say Acree started shooting from inside the home.
Mack was shot and fell to the floor immediately, court documents say.
Other process servers called for help, and Independence police responded to the call. When police arrived, three officers entered the home and attempted to rescue Mack.
Prosecutors say again Acree started shooting from inside the home. Allen was shot in the head, court records say, and a second Independence officer was hit in the torso.
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Officers returned fire and eventually took Acree into custody.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
