KSDK-A Jefferson County man charged in the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Ralph Tatoian pleaded not guilty Thursday.
26-year-old Massigh Stallman of High Ridge was the subject of a police manhunt in April. The incidents started April 20th when authorities were called to a robbery at a Mount Sterling convenience store. There, a Gasconade County deputy was shot in the face. The suspect got away, and a manhunt began.
Trooper Tatoian was on his way to the scene, traveling on westbound Interstate-44 in St Louis County when he came over a hill and crashed into the rear of a stopped 18-wheeler.
Stallman is charged with second degree murder for Tatoian’s death.
He is also facing charges of assault, stealing, tampering with evidence, armed criminal action and resisting arrest.
Gasconade County reserve deputy Harold Chris Heitman was the deputy shot in the face. He survived the shooting and has recovered.
KSDK