Tragedy in Portageville: Two Arrested in Connection with Death of David Chamberlain
Portageville, MO – A tight-knit southeast Missouri community is reeling after a weekend tragedy that has resulted in multiple arrests and raised unsettling questions about violence and accountability. According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation is now underway after the fatal shooting of David Chamberlain, whose life was cut short early Sunday morning in Portageville.
The Discovery and Immediate Response
Authorities were called to the area near 5th and Warren Streets in Portageville around dawn on Sunday, June 22, following reports of an unresponsive man lying on the ground. Responding deputies and emergency personnel arrived to find David Chamberlain, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to render aid, Coroner George Delisle confirmed that Chamberlain had died at the scene.
The brutal nature of the incident and its proximity to a residential neighborhood sent shockwaves through the community. In response, Sheriff Joey Higgerson activated the Southeast Missouri Major Case Squad, a multi-agency team designed to assist in high-profile investigations, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the urgency to find those responsible.
Break in the Case: Arrests Made
Less than 48 hours later, on Monday, June 23, a breakthrough occurred when 18-year-old Trey Sutton was identified as the primary suspect in Chamberlain’s murder. Sutton was taken into custody without incident and has since been formally charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action—charges that could carry life-altering consequences if he is convicted.
But the investigation didn’t end there.
As detectives continued their work, they uncovered evidence that the firearm used in the killing had been discarded in a drainage ditch near a bridge on County Highway 420. With the assistance of the New Madrid County Highway Department, crews dammed and drained the ditch, revealing the murder weapon submerged in just one foot of water. This critical discovery helped solidify the case against the young suspect and opened the door to further charges.
Second Arrest: Father of the Suspect Charged
In a shocking development, investigators determined that Trey Sutton’s father, Jeremy Sutton, had allegedly aided in disposing of the weapon. He was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a serious offense that carries both legal and moral weight. Additionally, Jeremy Sutton was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, further compounding the charges against him.
The involvement of a parent in an attempt to conceal evidence of a violent crime has left many in the community stunned and heartbroken. What began as a tragic murder has now spiraled into a case involving multiple lives and layers of betrayal, loss, and legal consequences.
A Community Shaken
As news of the arrests spread, residents of Portageville and surrounding areas are grappling with a mix of grief, anger, and disbelief. Many remember David Chamberlain as a quiet, friendly man who had lived in the region for years. Friends describe him as someone who “minded his business, always had a smile,” and who didn’t deserve such a violent end.
“This is the kind of thing you never expect in a place like Portageville,” said one resident, who attended a candlelight vigil held Monday evening near the scene. “We’re devastated. We want justice, and we want to understand how this could happen.”
The Road Ahead: Legal Proceedings and Continued Investigation
As Trey Sutton and his father Jeremy Sutton await further legal proceedings, the New Madrid County Prosecutor’s Office continues to prepare the case. Authorities have not commented on the motive behind the shooting, and it remains unclear whether additional suspects may be identified or if further charges will be brought.
The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office and Portageville Police Department are asking the public for help. If anyone has information related to this case—especially surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, or knowledge of events leading up to the shooting—they are encouraged to contact the Portageville Police Department at (573) 379-5500 or the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 748-2516. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Honoring David Chamberlain
As the investigation moves forward, a grieving family now must plan a funeral and grapple with the loss of a loved one taken too soon. Friends and loved ones of David Chamberlain are working to organize a memorial service in his honor. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help with burial expenses and to support the family during this difficult time.
His memory now lives on in the hearts of those who knew him—and in a community determined to seek truth and justice.
Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” – Benjamin Franklin