Wright County Prosecutor, John Tyrrell announces that Defendant Taylor “Rusty” Fisk was sentenced to life in prison for the shooting death of Melissa Autry in Norwood, Wright County, Missouri.
Defendant pled guilty to murder in the second degree for events occurring on May 25, 2023. Taylor was at home with others when a dispute occurred, including Melissa Autry. Autry left the residence and was standing outside near the street. Fisk retrieved a shotgun, exited the residence, and shot Ms. Autry in the face killing her. Judge Carter heard arguments from Prosecutor Tyrrell and the defendant’s lawyer. Judge Carter, after hearing arguments, sentenced the defendant to life in prison with probation denied. Prosecutor Tyrrell states, “I want to thank Sheriff Byerly and the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and in particular, Det. Kristi Akers. This is a terrible set of events. A person died needlessly. The Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, and a thorough investigation was able to determine what had happened. Det. Akers’ investigation allowed my office to seek justice for Ms. Autry.”