County of crime: Franklin County
Location of crime: 2nd St., Berger
Date of crime: Sunday: August 19, 2001
Memorial to Michael Begemann
Michael Begemann Grave Site
Lorie Ann Benson's Grave Site
"Evidence at the scene indicates that Dennis Purdy shot his wife, Lorie, 28, and 26-year-old Michael Begemann with a 12-gauge shotgun, officials said.
"Lorie and Dennis Purdy had been separated and she was living with Begemann, according to the sheriff's report. The Purdys had recently moved back to Berger from South Carolina, the report said.
"Although they were legally married, Purdy's wife went by her maiden name, Lorie Benson, according to Sheriff Gary Toelke.
"Law enforcement officials responded at approximately 8:56 p.m. Sunday, August 19, to Begemann's rental home on Second street in Berger, where neighbors reported they had heard gunshots and a woman screaming.
"When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Begemann fatally wounded in the parking area near the front door of the home.
"They also discovered both Dennis and Lorie Purdy's vehicles in the driveway.
"When officials didn't get an answer at the door, the Franklin County Emergency response team entered the home, where they found both Lorie and Dennis Purdy in a bedroom, where they died from apparent gunshot wounds.
"Weapons were found both in Purdy's vehicle and in Begemann's home.
"Authorities speculate Purdy shot Begemann outside of the home, then went inside and shot his wife, then himself with the same shotgun.
"The Missouri State Highway Patrol, as well as the Berger Fire Department and the Hermann Ambulance, assisted the sheriff's department." ~ The Missourian, By Janese Heavin, Aug 22, 2001