According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, on November 8, 2025, officers responded to a fatal shooting at 2609 Paula Drive in West Plains, Howell County. Investigators determined that two men had entered the residence intending to steal. One was shot and killed by the homeowner during the break-in identified as 23-year-old Hayden Levi Hilleman.
The surviving suspect, Keith Geringer of West Plains, admitted in a post-Miranda interview that he and his accomplice entered through the basement and proceeded upstairs, where the shooting occurred. Geringer also stated he had previously visited the residence and that his accomplice had been stealing from the home for several weeks.
Geringer is charged with Burglary 1st Degree and 2nd degree Murder/ Death During Perpetration/Attempted Perpetration/Fight From Perpetration of a Felony. His bond is set at $100,000.
From West Plains Police Department:
Under Missouri Revised Statute 565.021, an individual may be charged with second-degree murder if, during the commission or attempted commission of a felony — or during flight from that felony — another person is killed as a result.
