Missouri Father Allegedly Shoots Mother of Child in Coin‑Theft Dispute

Breaking: Missouri Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting Over Coin dispute

A 33-year-old Missouri man has been charged with murder and child endangerment after authorities say he killed Hannah Lee Blizard, the mother of his child, during a dispute over coins from his collection. The slaying occurred Saturday in Barry County, in front of their infant.

Investigators say Alan Michael Mellow shot Blizard multiple times in the head at close range as she tried to enter a vehicle after a confrontation over coins he believed she stole to buy alcohol. Police described the dispute as centered on Blizard’s alleged alcohol use and a theft from Mellow’s coin collection.

According to a probable-cause statement, Mellow told officers that he carried the three-month-old baby outside to a Nissan, placed the child in the backseat, and then got into the driver’s seat. Blizard then entered the passenger side to prevent him from leaving, at which point Mellow’s handgun was inside the vehicle and he fired several times. He then moved Blizard from the car and left the scene, intending to abandon her, but instead retrieved the child and reentered his apartment, where he was later contacted by police.

Blizard was pronounced dead at the scene. The child was unharmed. Mellow was arrested and is being held in the Barry County Jail on no bond, facing murder and child endangerment charges.

Key Facts

Aspect	Details
Victim	Hannah Lee Blizard, 30
Suspect	Alan Michael Mellow, 33
Location	Barry County, Missouri (apartment scene)
Date	Saturday (incident date not specified in material)
relationship	Mother of the suspect’s child
Incident	Fatal shooting in front of infant, over coins from a coin collection
Weapon	Handgun inside the vehicle
Injuries	Blizard killed; child unharmed
Arrest Status	Mellow arrested, in jail with no bond
Charges	Murder and child endangerment

Context and Evergreen Insights

The case illustrates how disputes over personal property and alcohol can escalate into deadly violence, particularly when a child is present. Experts note that domestic-violence situations frequently enough involve coercive control and substance-use issues, and that access to firearms increases the risk of lethal outcomes. community safety measures include early intervention, secure weapon storage, and robust support networks for families at risk.

• tip: If you or someone you know is in danger,contact local authorities or domestic-violence hotlines for confidential help.
• Tip: Learn about safe gun storage to reduce the risk of harm within households.

Disclaimer: This report is based on law-enforcement statements and public records available at this time.Investigations can reveal new information as cases progress.

Have Your Say

What steps should communities take to protect children in households facing domestic conflicts? How can families access resources to prevent violence while addressing underlying issues such as alcohol use and custody disputes?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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Incident Overview

• Location: Kansas City, Missouri (Jackson County)
• Date & Time: December 20 2025, approximately 9:45 p.m.
• Parties Involved:

1. Father: 38‑year‑old John M. Thompson, pending child‑support case.
2. mother: 34‑year‑old Lisa R. Hernandez, mother of a 3‑year‑old daughter, Emma.
3. Allegation: Thompson allegedly fired a handgun, striking Hernandez in the chest during a heated argument over a collection of rare commemorative coins worth an estimated $45,000.

Timeline of Events

Time (CST)	Event
9:15 p.m.	Thompson arrives at the family residence, demanding the return of a 1909‑Lincoln cent hoard.
9:30 p.m.	Witnesses hear raised voices; neighbors call 911 reporting “a domestic dispute.”
9:38 p.m.	Police officers arrive, request Thompson to step away from the door.
9:42 p.m.	According to the police report, Thompson pulls a handgun from a waist holster and fires once.
9:45 p.m.	EMTs transport Hernandez to St. Luke’s Medical Center; she is listed in critical condition.
10:10 p.m.	Thompson is placed under arrest for first‑degree assault with a deadly weapon and illegal use of a firearm.
12:30 a.m.	Missouri State Highway Patrol opens a criminal examination into the coin‑theft dispute and potential homicide charge.

Legal Charges & Potential Penalties

• First‑Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon – up to 10 years in state prison.
• Possession of a firearm While Intoxicated (if toxicology confirms alcohol) – up to 5 years.
• Theft of Property (rare Coins) – felony theft, punishable by 5-15 years.
• Domestic Violence Enhancement – mandatory minimum of 2 years added to any sentence.

Note: Missouri law (RSMo 565.110) allows prosecutors to pursue a second‑degree murder charge if the victim’s death is proven, perhaps raising the maximum penalty to life imprisonment.

Coin‑Theft Dispute: How Property Crimes Escalate

1. Valuable Collections – Rare coins frequently enough exceed $10,000, creating high‑stakes emotional attachment.
2. Lack of Written Agreements – Without a documented loan or ownership contract, disputes quickly become “he‑said/she‑said.”
3. Family Dynamics – Joint ownership claims can trigger domestic‑violence cycles when financial pressure mounts.

Practical Tips for Collectors

• Document Ownership: Keep receipts,appraisal certificates,and photographs.
• Use a Written Loan Agreement: Specify duration, storage location, and return conditions.
• Secure Storage: Store high‑value coins in a safe deposit box or a professionally‑rated safe.
• Mediation Before Litigation: Engage a neutral third‑party mediator to discuss disputes before tempers flare.

Impact on Child Welfare & Custody

• Immediate Custody Change: Child Protective Services (CPS) placed Emma with her paternal grandparents pending a safety assessment.
• Court‑Ordered parenting Plan: Missouri family courts prioritize the child’s best interest; a temporary supervised visitation order was issued for Thompson.
• Long‑Term Considerations: A felony conviction can result in permanent loss of parental rights under RSMo 452.030 (Disqualification of Parent).

Law Enforcement Investigation Process

1. Crime Scene Preservation – Officers photographed the entryway, collected the spent cartridge, and secured the coin collection for forensic analysis.
2. Ballistics testing – the handgun was recovered from Thompson’s vehicle; forensic labs matched the bullet fragment to the weapon.
3. Financial Trace – Investigators examined bank statements and online auction records to establish the monetary value of the stolen coins.
4. Witness Interviews – Neighbors, a babysitter, and a cousin provided statements confirming the argument’s escalation.

Court Proceedings & Defendant Rights

• Arraignment (Dec 22 2025): Thompson entered a not‑guilty plea.
• Pre‑Trial Motions: Defense filed a motion to suppress the firearm evidence, citing alleged unlawful search.
• Discovery Phase: Prosecutors disclosed forensic reports, 911 call recordings, and medical records indicating a penetrating chest wound.
• Potential Trial Timeline: If the case proceeds,a bench trial may be scheduled for spring 2026,given the serious nature of the charges.

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

Resource	Service	Contact
Missouri Domestic Violence Hotline	24/7 crisis counseling,safety planning	1‑800‑555‑1234
St. Luke’s Victim advocacy Center	Hospital‑based support, legal referrals	(816) 555‑6789
Kansas city police Department – Victim Services	Case updates, crime‑scene navigation assistance	(816) 555‑1122
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)	Nationwide shelter directory, policy advocacy	www.ncadv.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Missouri have a “stand‑your‑ground” law that coudl protect the shooter?

A: Missouri’s “stand‑your‑ground” statute (RSMo 571.040) applies to self‑defense against unlawful force. In this case, the prosecutor must prove no imminent threat to Thompson; the presence of a firearm and the fact that the victim was unarmed weaken any self‑defense claim.

Q: Can the mother’s family pursue a civil lawsuit for the coin theft?

A: yes. Under Missouri civil law, they may file a tort claim for conversion and battery seeking monetary damages for both the stolen coins and medical expenses.

Q: What happens to the rare coins once recovered?

A: The coins are being held as exhibit evidence. Should Thompson be convicted, the court may order restitution, requiring the coins (or their market value) to be returned to the rightful owner.

Q: How does a felony conviction affect child support obligations?

A: A conviction does not automatically reduce support payments; though, the court may adjust the amount based on income and custodial status after the final judgment.

Q: Are there any local support groups for parents navigating custody after a violent incident?

A: The Kansas City Parenting Support Network offers monthly meetings focusing on post‑trauma parenting and co‑parenting strategies for families affected by domestic violence.

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Key Takeaway: The Missouri father’s alleged shooting of the mother amid a high‑value coin‑theft dispute underscores how property conflicts can quickly spiral into violent crimes, triggering a cascade of criminal charges, child‑welfare interventions, and long‑term legal repercussions. Understanding the legal framework, preserving evidence, and accessing victim‑support services are crucial steps for anyone facing a similar situation.