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UPDATE: Columbia murder suspect expected to be arraigned today

Boone County prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Ja’Shaun Barney with second degree murder and two other felonies (November 2023 mug shot courtesy of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department website)

Columbia Police have captured a murder suspect that they’ve been searching for for several months.

18-year-old Ja’Shaun Barney was captured after a Thursday night high-speed pursuit that began at the Links apartments on Clark lane and ended near the Business Loop and Creasy Springs road, after authorities used spike strips.

Barney is charged with second degree murder for the high-profile June drive-by shooting death of Deshon Houston, who was shot in the head while standing in his driveway.

Court documents indicate multiple shooters fired at Houston from a Ford Explorer, while a separate gunman fired from an Acura’s sunroof. Barney is the fourth suspect to be captured in this case. The three others are 21-year-old Jajuan Crockett, 18-year-old Demarkus Williams and 19-year-old Bryton Allen.

Authorities are still searching for three additional suspects: 19-year-old Alqueze Jones, 19-year-old Deljuan Turner and 21-year-old Deazes Turner. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to call Columbia Crimestoppers at (573) 875-TIPS.