Jasper County jury convicts Exeter man on first-degree murder charge

(From the Barry County Sheriff's Office)

Last week (4-14-26 to 4-16-2026), a jury trial was held in Jasper County for the criminal charges against Aaron Malone for the murder of Aspen Lewis.

In November of 2024, Aaron Malone reported that Aspen Lewis was missing and possibly abducted.

A criminal investigation was started due to inconsistencies in Malone's statement.

The following day, Malone led investigators to Lewis' body, located in a heavily wooded area in Shell Knob.

Malone admitted to an altercation taking place between him and Lewis and disposing of Lewis' body.

The investigation was conducted by the Barry County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

After three days of testimony from the prosecution and defense, the Jasper County jury found Malone guilty on all counts. Malone is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9m, 2026.

The case was presented by the Missouri Attorney General's office and the Barry County Prosecutor's Office.

This case highlights how multiple agencies working together can build a strong case and successfully remove a violent criminal from the community. The Barry County Sheriff's Office is devoted to keeping our community safe.