An Arma man is convicted of first-degree murder in the February 2023 shooting that claimed the life of a Pittsburg man.

 

45-year-old Collin Pal Gepford was convicted last week by a jury Of First-Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Criminal Discharge Of A Firearm, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Possession Of A  Firearm.

 

The incident occurred on February 17, 2023, on Main Street in Pittsburg. Law enforcement responded to a report of shots fired in the area and arrived to find 51-year-old David Mays deceased with a gunshot wound to the chest. Gepford was on the scene and taken into custody at that time.

 

According to the Crawford County Attorney’s Office, Gepford and Mays along with Travis Conness had lured a man to the scene and fired into his vehicle. The man fled on foot and Gepford fired at him again as he ran.

 

Both firearms used in the incident were recovered by a Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 officer.

 

Travis Conness of Neosho was sentenced to five years in prison on an involuntary manslaughter charge in June 2024.

 

Gepford will face sentencing in the case on May 20th.