Second man in burglary-gone-wrong gets 8 years

The surviving suspect in a November 2025 burglary that left one man dead and the property owner charged with first-degree murder has begun his prison sentence. Keith W. Geringer, 33, of West Plains reached a plea agreement in Howell County courts on October 8. 

 

Initially charged with second-degree murder as well as first-degree burglary, Geringer pled guilty to the latter charge only on October 8.

 

The defendant and the late Kyle Hilleman are alleged to have entered a vacant property on Paula Dr. in West Plains on November 8, 2025. Property owner Larry Lindeman was inside the home and fatally shot Hilleman. Geringer fled unharmed. Lindeman is facing a first-degree murder charge.

 

Geringer was sentenced by the Honorable Steven Privette to eight years in Missouri Department of Corrections, concurrent with any other sentences, with credit for time served.  Howell County Sheriff’s Department transported Geringer to Missouri DOC on October 23