Missouri Women Charged with Murder After Lying to Police About Armed Man Hiding in Their Home

PARIS, MISSOURI — Two Missouri women are facing second-degree murder charges after allegedly lying to officers about the whereabouts of an armed man hiding in their home — a deception that ended in a deadly shootout.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the women as 51-year-old Patty Armour and 78-year-old Lois Armour, both of whom are accused of misleading law enforcement when officers came to their residence on Oct. 12.

Police Searching for Murder Suspect

According to investigators, officers arrived at the Armour home in Paris, Missouri, to follow up on a lead connected to an ongoing murder investigation in Ralls County.

When officers knocked on the door, Patty and Lois allowed them inside but insisted the man they were looking for — 57-year-old Charles Armour — wasn’t there.

Authorities say that was a lie.

Court documents allege Charles Armour was “concealed in the master bathroom” — and was armed with a handgun.

Deadly Exchange of Gunfire

Officers continued to search the home and eventually discovered Charles Armour hiding. That’s when, according to the probable cause statement, the situation turned violent.

“Charles Armour fired his gun at officers, striking one of them,” the report states.

A gun battle erupted inside the home. The wounded officer was rushed to a nearby hospital and has since been released. Charles Armour, however, was fatally shot during the exchange.

From Hindering to Murder Charges

Initially, Patty and Lois Armour were arrested and charged with hindering prosecution for obstructing the officers’ search. They were held on bonds ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.

Following the fatal shooting, prosecutors upgraded their charges to second-degree felony murder, holding the women legally responsible for the death that occurred as a direct result of their deception.

They are now being held without bond in the Ralls County Jail.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Patty, Lois, and Charles Armour were related, though investigators believe they may share family ties.

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