Man fatally shoots his Navy veteran nephew while trying to steal trailer, MO cops say

A man has been found guilty of fatally shooting his 37-year-old nephew, a Navy veteran, according to Missouri authorities and news reports.

Nick Owens, 60, was convicted March 12 of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the June 1, 2022, shooting death of Zachery Owens, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office said.

Nick Owens was at his nephew’s property near Mansfield without permission and was trying to take his trailer, My Ozarks Online reported, citing the sheriff’s office.

When Zachery Owens, 37, confronted his uncle, the uncle shot him in the chest, KOLR reported, citing authorities.

Deputies found Zachery Owens dead on his property, KY3 reported.

The sheriff’s office said a jury recommended a 25-year sentence for the murder conviction and 15 years for the armed criminal action guilty verdict. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 24, court records show.

According to his obituary, Zachery Owens was a Navy veteran who worked as a barber. He was married and had one daughter.

“To most anyone who knew him well, Zach wasn’t just a friend; he was family,” loved ones said in the obituary. “Thoughtful, generous and compassionate, he was known for his big heart, caring nature and a desire to share with others.”

Mansfield is about a 50-mile drive southeast from Springfield.

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Man fatally shoots his Navy veteran nephew while trying to steal trailer, MO cops say."