Jefferson County, Missouri – Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak has announced the arrest of a homicide suspect in connection to an incident that occurred on January 20, 2025.

According to Sheriff Marshak, 23-year-old Caleb Hawkins has been charged with one count of Murder 1st Degree and one count of Armed Criminal Action.

Hawkins is accused of fatally shooting 45-year-old Joel Kessler while Kessler was visiting Hawkins’ residence in the 4400 block of Victoria Station Road around 12:30 p.m. on January 20.

Investigators allege that Hawkins let Kessler and a second person into the home. Once they were inside, Hawkins allegedly retrieved a handgun and shot Kessler multiple times.

Kessler was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second individual was not harmed. Hawkins was booked into the Jefferson County Jail where he’s being held without bond.