Today Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson announced the Grand Jury in the Erik Spencer, Jr. shooting returned a finding of “no true bill.” This finding means that the Prosecutor decided to close the investigation into Spencer’s murder without bringing any charges. The Jefferson City community is shocked it happened here. 

Jefferson City and State Conference NAACP Presidents are United in their Concern

“This is yet another example of a lower level of justice in the death of a young black man from a locally elected prosecutor in a rural Missouri community,” said Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of the State Conference of the NAACP. “Erik’s death is the latest in a long line of shootings of young black men that go unprosecuted where the killers are Caucasian and were never arrested or prosecuted."

Erik Spencer, Jr. was shot by Spencer Scrivner on November 1, 2025 in the parking lot outside of Chili’s in Jefferson City. Erik and his girlfriend were having an argument and police were already on their way to the scene when Scriver decided to take matters into his own hands and murder Erik. There is no evidence that Erik was armed or physically attempting to attack Scrivner when he was shot 5 times and killed. 

“Jefferson City is a small community and there is no reason for any person to kill another when law enforcement has already been called,” Jefferson City NAACP Branch President Glenn Bonner commented on the news. “It’s a shame that the man we elected to hold murderers accountable is unable or unwilling to seek justice when the life of a young black man was needlessly stolen.  Is the new rule shoot first?”

New Evidence Could Re-Open the Investigation

The Jefferson City Branch and Missouri State Conference of the NAACP continue to ask for anyone with information about that night to come forward. Prosecutors can re-open investigations and file charges in murder cases when new evidence comes to light.

President Chapel added, “It’s not too late for Prosecutor Thompson to do the right thing and help Erik’s family find justice. We are hopeful we can help him find the missing piece of evidence that would make it clear that Erik’s death was not necessary.” 

Further Response is Expected as the Family Decides How to Move Forward

The family of Erik Spencer, Jr. has been working with community members and other organizations to respond to both the investigation and this latest decision on the part of Prosecutor Thompson. The Jefferson City Branch and Missouri State Conference of the NAACP will follow their lead.

Updates and further calls to action can be found on the Missouri State Conference website https://www.monaacp.org/travel-advisory.