Investigator picked in theft of Carbondale police chief’s gun

CARBONDALE — A prosecutor says the investigation into the theft of the Carbondale police chief’s gun will be led by the sheriff in Jackson County.

Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Wepsiec says media accounts about Chief Jody O’Guinn’s stolen gun have made it difficult if not impossible for Carbondale police to probe the matter without being second-guessed.

That includes reports that the gun may have been used in the Sept. 14 shooting that killed 20-year-old Deaunta Spencer. Eighteen-year-old Matthew Jones of Carbondale is charged with murder in that case.

O’Guinn asked for the outside investigation

He reported the gun stolen in June, when it was reportedly taken out of his locked car.