A man is now facing murder and other charges after a crash that killed two people near Highlandville Monday night.

According to a release from the Christian County Sheriff's Office, 40-year-old Garrett Cleaver was fleeing from a traffic stop traveling on Melton Road at a high rate of speed. Cleaver's vehicle then hit a vehicle head-on driven by Ashley Adams with a passenger in the vehicle being her husband, off-duty Christian County Deputy Mike Adams. The collision killed both the Adams while an infant grandchild survived the crash but was injured and hospitalized.

The charges facing Cleaver are two counts of 2nd-Degree Murder, two counts of Aggravated Fleeing Resulting in Death, and a count each of Fleeing Resulting in Injury and 2nd-Degree Assault. 

“Monday’s crash was a senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of an outstanding deputy and a beloved community member,” Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole said in the statement. “We are continuing with a thorough investigation, and these charges reflect our commitment to pursuing justice for the Adams family. This is another case where the suspect’s criminal history in multiple States reflects a failure on the part of the criminal justice system to keep a dangerous person off the streets and to protect innocent citizens.” 

Other media reports indicate that Cleaver had an extensive arrest record in Jasper County which includes Webb City. Other online documents indicate Cleaver had a criminal history in both Missouri and Kansas including a previous charge of vehicular homicide.

Photo courtesy Jasper County Sheriff's Office