Springfield Teen Charged With First-Degree Murder in Homicide Case

Yefry Archaga, 18, and Praize King, 18, have been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Miles Young in Springfield, Missouri.

Young was declared dead at Cox South Hospital on March 12, 2026, after sustaining a single gunshot wound to his chest. The shooting occurred around West Maplewood Street.

Arrests and Charges

Praize King was arrested on March 18, 2026, and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Yefry Archaga, a resident of Southwest City, was charged on March 16, 2026, with the same Class A felony charges.

While Archaga’s whereabouts were initially unknown, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office arrested him on March 31, 2026, in Webb City. A second individual, suspected of involvement and possibly a juvenile, was also arrested in Webb City on March 31, 2026, though authorities have not publicly identified that person.

Details of the Incident

According to a probable cause statement, the killing was the result of a planned encounter. On March 12, 2026, a juvenile suspect arrived at a Springfield residence to meet Young. Prior to this, the juvenile suspect had met with Archaga, a suspect, and two juvenile witnesses.

The group used two vehicles to carry out the plan. The juvenile suspect drove a black Mercedes to pick up Young, while Archaga sat in a second vehicle driven by another suspect and accompanied by two witnesses.

Two juvenile witnesses who were with Young at the time reportedly warned him not to go with the juvenile suspect. These witnesses believed it was a set up because the suspect did not like Young.

Law enforcement reports indicate the juvenile suspect blamed Young for the death of a victim in a 2025 homicide case. Court documents further state that Young was a witness in that 2025 case and was expected to testify during the trial.

A Greene County detective noted in the probable cause statement, which became public on April 2, 2026, that there was an unconfirmed report that Archaga made a phone call after the shooting and was braggadocios about the incident.

Immigration Status and Political Reaction

Yefry Archaga is currently listed in the Greene County Jail roster as being held for immigration officials. Federal immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against him.

Following the death of the teenager, Republican representatives have called for a crackdown on crime committed by undocumented immigrants.