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Marshfield man facing murder charges in Taney County court

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Kenneth Livingston, of Marshfield, is currently on trial in a Taney County courtroom over charges he received nearly four years ago. The trial began on Monday, Oct. 25, at 9am.

On the morning of April 17, 2018, Livingston, his wife, Lindsey, and their three children gathered at the home of Lindsey's parents, Scott and Kristee Bedgood to plan a birthday party in Elkland, MO.

At that time, Livingston and Lindsey were in the process of a divorce, however, Livingston drove to the home to visit with his children. There was a disagreement over Livingston’s offer to take the children on a trip to Sonic, which inturn sparked further argument over custody in Bedgood’s garage.

The argument then became fractious, leading to the use of firearms. Bedgood heard his wife yell “he’s got a gun” from their garage. Bedgood then ran to his back bedroom to get his own gun. The detectives believe at that point that both his wife and daughter had been shot to death. 

Both Livingston and Bedgood exchanged fire inside the home. The three children were located in other parts of the home during the exchange. Livingston then departed the home, but was aphrened by officers en route.

Sheriff Roye Cole, of Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and responding officers returned to the scene with Livingston detained. There it was discovered Scott had suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. 

The next day, Livingston was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his wife and mother-in-law. Judge Kenneth Thompson set Livingston’s bail at two million dollars. 

Judge Thompson has since retired and the case was reassigned to Wright County Judge Robert “Craig” Carter. On April 22, 2020, there was a motion for a change of venue from Webster County at the request of the defendant, Livingston. That motion was sustained on June 14, 2020, and the case was thus transferred to Taney county. 

Livingston is being represented by Jill Sussane Porter of Bolivar, in turn the State is represented by Ben Berkstresser, Webster County Prosecuting Attorney. Livingston has pleaded not guilty. If found guilty, Livingston could face life in prison. 

 

 

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