Springfield man charged with killing longtime girlfriend

Prosecutors have charged Lilburn Motley, 66 of Springfield, with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and armed criminal action in a fatal shooting Monday afternoon in Springfield. 

According to court documents, officers responded to the 2200 block of North Marion Avenue at about 4 p.m. after gunshots were reported. When investigators arrived on the scene they found a deceased victim, Lavona Haddock, inside the house. 

Motley was at the scene when officers arrived, and police say he was quickly identified as a suspect thanks to a witness who was in the home at the time of the shooting.

"I made a mistake tonight, I know I'm gonna get in trouble," Motley allegedly said as he was arrested.

During his interview with officers after the shooting, an investigator noted that Motley appeared to be intoxicated. Motley allegedly told officers he had consumed "ten minis and a couple of beers" which was a normal amount for him. 

He reportedly told officers that Haddock was his girlfriend of 37 years and that he had shot her to "shut her up" because she was "running her mouth" and wouldn't let him watch what he wanted on TV. 

According to the witness, Motley and Haddock were in the living room arguing. The witness told officers he turned his back to play a game and then heard a gunshot. 

When the witness turned around Haddock was slumped and looked "lifeless" and Motley, who was holding gun under a pillow on the couch, said "she's gone," according to court documents. 

Motley initially told investigators that he had been cleaning his gun and it accidentally went off, also adding that he did not think it was loaded. However, according to investigators Motley's gun was dirty and did not appear to have just been cleaned. Additionally, the witness said he had not seen Motley cleaning his gun.   

When officers questioned Motley about the condition of the gun, he said "I just shot her to shut her up then." 

Prosecutors say Motley has a prior felony conviction and was not legally allowed to possess a gun. He is being held in the Greene County Jail awaiting arraignment and does not have a lawyer listed as representing him. 

Haddock's death marks the 25th homicide in Springfield this year. 

Jordan Meier covers public safety for the Springfield News-Leader. Contact her at jmeier@news-leader.com, (417) 597-7663 or on Twitter @Jordan_Meier644.