Warrensburg Police probe homicide of bar owner

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Warrensburg Police are investigating the town's first murder since 2009.

Police were called to the 1000 block of Sunflower Street about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Police Chief Bruce Howey said officers found William "Blaine" Whitworth, 25, dead at the scene of an apparent gunshot wound.

Warrensburg residents tell 41 Action News that Whitworth operated two downtown bars -- Bodie's and Molly's. University of Central Missouri students received two public safety alerts after the incident. The first happened just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, announcing the report of the shooting. The second email updated students on the situation and identified Whitworth as the victim.

Howey said he anticipated the Missouri Rural Major Case Squad will be activated on Tuesday to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Warrensburg Police Department, 660-747-9133.