Marshall Man Pleads Guilty to Charges from Blackburn Standoff

Andrew Christopher Souder sentenced to 5 years probation after domestic dispute and police standoff.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 42-year-old Marshall, Missouri man named Andrew Christopher Souder has pleaded guilty to five charges stemming from a domestic disturbance and standoff with police outside Blackburn last year. Souder accepted a plea deal with prosecutors, receiving a suspended 19-year sentence and 10 months for tampering, along with 5 years of supervised probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in responding to domestic violence incidents that escalate into dangerous standoffs, as well as the complexities of plea bargaining and sentencing for such crimes in rural communities.

The details

According to court documents, Saline County Sheriff's deputies were called twice to Souder's home on Route 127 the evening of March 26. The first time, deputies alleged that Souder had grabbed his romantic partner by the throat. Deputies later returned after reports of shots being fired, finding Souder barricaded in the residence. A 6-hour standoff where Souder claimed to have grenades and explosives ended when state troopers used tear gas to force him out. Prosecutors later filed additional charges accusing Souder of making threatening statements to his partner after his arrest.

  • On March 26, deputies were first called to Souder's home for a domestic disturbance.
  • Later that evening on March 26, deputies returned to the home after reports of shots fired.
  • Souder pleaded guilty to the charges on February 9, 2026.
  • Souder was released from jail on probation on the afternoon of February 9, 2026.

The players

Andrew Christopher Souder

A 42-year-old man from Marshall, Missouri who pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a domestic disturbance and standoff with police.

Saline County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the domestic disturbance calls and standoff at Souder's home.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

State troopers who used tear gas to end the 6-hour standoff with Souder at his home.

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What’s next

Souder will begin serving his 5 years of supervised probation after being released from jail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for better resources and training to help law enforcement de-escalate domestic violence situations before they turn into life-threatening standoffs, as well as the importance of robust plea bargaining and sentencing guidelines to hold offenders accountable while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation.