Accused killer of MSSU coach bound over for trial, bond set at $1 million

Jeffrey Bruner, 39, Joplin, was bound over to stand trial on first degree murder and armed criminal action charges today following a preliminary hearing before Judge Richard Copeland in Jasper County Associate Circuit Court.

Copeland also set bond for Bruner at $1 million.

Bruner is charged with the November 1 shooting death of Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore.

Police say the murder took place when Bruner confronted his estranged wife, Dawn Michele Bruner and Moore in the parking lot outside the Northstar 14 theater in Joplin.

Copeland denies bond request for accused killer of MSSU coach

Jeffrey Bruner will remain behind bars.

On Friday, Judge Richard Copeland overruled a motion from Bruner's attorney, Ross Rhoades of Neosho, to grant him bond as he awaits trial for the Nov. 1 shooting death of Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore at the Northstar 14 theater in Joplin.

Copeland granted a motion allowing Bruner to wear street clothes at his arraignment 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Jasper County Circuit Court. Copeland overruled Rhoades' motion to allow Bruner to appear without restraints.

Bruner, 39, Joplin, is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action. Police say the murder took place when Bruner confronted his estranged wife, Dawn Michele Bruner, and Moore in the theater parking lot.

Lawyer asks that accused killer of MSSU coach be freed on bond

Neosho attorney Charles Rhoades filed a motion today in Jasper County Circuit Court to allow bond for Jeffrey Bruner, 39, Joplin, the man accused in the November 1 murder of Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore.

Rhoades also filed a motion asking that Bruner be able to wear regular clothing and not have to have shackles during his preliminary hearing 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 9, before Judge Richard Copeland.

Bruner is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the Nov. 1 shooting death of Derek Moore outside of Northstar Regal 14 Theater. Police say the murder took place when Bruner confronted his estranged wife, Dawn Michele Bruner, and Moore.

2013 in Review: Suspect in MSSU coach's murder married to university employee

(From November 2, 2013)

The man taken into custody for Friday night's murder of Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore had another connection with the university.

Jeffrey Bruner, 39, Joplin, is the husband of Dawn Michelle Bruner, who was sworn in Nov. 12, 2012, as the first member of Missouri Southern's reserve police officer force.

According to a release from Southern News Service:

 Bruner, originally from Springfield,  graduated from the Missouri Southern State University Police Academy in December 2011.
 She completed the mandatory 600 hours of training to acquire her  Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) 

certification. The program is the regulatory agency that is responsible for the licensure of peace officers, reserve peace officers, basic training instructors, curriculum, and training centers in Missouri.
 
She has worked for the Lawrence County Sheriff's office.

The reserve officers help with special events, traffic control, and otherwise as needed.

Jeffrey Bruner is being held in the Joplin City Jail. Police have turned over information to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office for the filing of charges.

According to the Joplin Police Department, officers were called to Northstar 14 at 9:50 p.m. Friday night after a report of shots being fired. A Duquesne Police officer was the first arrive and took Bruner into custody at 9:52 p.m.

Moore was taken to a local hospital where he died

Joplin Police described the murder as a "targeted" shooting.

MSSU LIne Coach Murdered at Joplin Theater