West Plains Man Charged with Assault and Stalking

Raymond Lee Kuntz accused of repeated threatening encounters with victim

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A 45-year-old West Plains, Missouri man named Raymond Lee Kuntz has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including Domestic Assault, Stalking, and Harassment, following a series of alleged threatening incidents against a victim over the past several days. Kuntz is accused of sending the victim repeated threatening text messages, confronting her at a gas station and a local business, and grabbing her by the throat and spitting in her face.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of stalking and domestic violence in the West Plains community, and the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting victims from repeat offenders. It also raises concerns about the potential role of substance abuse, as authorities say they found methamphetamine on Kuntz during his arrest.

The details

According to the police report, the victim told officers that Kuntz had been following her for several days and sending her threatening text messages. On February 18, the victim said Kuntz confronted her at a local gas station, opened her car door, and ordered her to drive to a remote area, allegedly stating 'because I'm going to murder you.' The victim also reported that Kuntz grabbed her by the throat and spit in her face before leaving the scene. The following day, the victim said Kuntz screamed at her and followed her vehicle at a local business called Snappy East. Police later located and arrested Kuntz, and during the booking process, authorities say they discovered a plastic wrapper containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine.

  • On February 18, the victim reported Kuntz confronted her at a local gas station.
  • On February 19, the victim reported another confrontation with Kuntz at Snappy East in West Plains.
  • On February 20, police located and arrested Kuntz.

The players

Raymond Lee Kuntz

A 45-year-old West Plains, Missouri man who has been charged with Domestic Assault in the Third Degree, Stalking in the First Degree, and Harassment in the First Degree following a series of alleged threatening encounters with a victim.

The Victim

A West Plains resident who reported receiving repeated threatening text messages from Kuntz, as well as being confronted by him at a gas station and local business, where he allegedly grabbed her by the throat and spit in her face.

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What they’re saying

“because I'm going to murder you”

— Raymond Lee Kuntz (Probable Cause Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Raymond Lee Kuntz to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and resources to address stalking and domestic violence in the West Plains community, as well as the importance of swift action by law enforcement to protect victims from repeat offenders who may also be struggling with substance abuse issues.