First-degree murder charges were dropped against Cindy Lou Malson, 47, of Bedford, and charges still remain against Zachary J. Curtis Malson, 24, of Bedford for the death of Steven C. Malson, 56.
Cindy and Zachary Malson, Steven Malson’s wife and son, were originally charged with first-degree murder April 23 after an investigation by Taylor County Sheriff’s Office into Steven Malson’s death.
Charges against Cindy were dropped Aug. 8 for furtherance of justice without prejudice.
“The reason on the dismissal of Cindy, her charge was dismissed in the furtherance of justice without prejudice, and the significance of that is it could be refiled at a later time,” said Clint Spurrier, attorney for Ringgold and Taylor counties. “Even though her case is dismissed, it isn’t a certainty it’s done for good. But I’m not telling you it will be refiled.”
According to a Taylor County Sheriff report, Taylor County Sheriff received a 911 call April 23 indicating a shooting had occurred at 1509 Bent St., Bedford, as the result of an attempted suicide. The victim, Steven Malson, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the head, was flown to a hospital in St. Joseph, Mo., where he died.
Court documents state Cindy provided information putting her in the room with Steven and their son Zachary, all fighting over a gun. She provided information to investigators stating Zachary was responsible for intentionally firing the fatal shot. Another family member said she was present when Zachary confessed to the shooting later that evening. Zachary has changed his story multiple times as to what happened.
Court documents also state during an interview with Zachary, he provided information stating Cindy was responsible for intentionally shooting the fatal shot. Cindy has also changed her story, each time not matching evidence at the scene.
“The case against Cindy Malson was based primarily on statements made by her son Zachary Malson,” Spurrier said. “Part of the reason for the dismissal is to allow for additional investigation. So, at this point in time, the charge against Zachary Malson is set for trial on Nov. 3.”
A pretrial conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 7. During the conference, the trial date will be discussed, and motions that are filed will be addressed. This can push a trial date to a later time if the motions need to be reviewed.
Zachary was being held in Taylor County Jail on $1 million bond.