Sparta man found guilty in murder of a Mansfield barber

A Phelps County jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the Wright County murder case from back on June 1, 2022.
According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Report, the Phelps County jury delivered the guilty verdict on March 12 in the case of Nick Owens, 60, of Sparta.
He was convicted of second degree murder with the jury declaring a 25-year sentence in the Department of Corrections.
They also declared a 15-year sentence for an armed criminal action charge.
The murder of his nephew, Zachery Owens, a Mansfield barber, occurred south of Mansfield back in 2022. Nick Owens reportedly was attempting to steal a trailer from Zachery’s property, and when he was approached, he reportedly shot his nephew in the chest.
Due to the change of venue request, the trial was moved from Wright to Phelps County.
A sentencing ruling from the 25th Judicial Circuit will take place on April 24, pending the completion of a sentencing assessment report by Probation and Parole.
The case was thoroughly investigated by Wright County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kristi Akers.
Wright County Sheriff Sonny Byerley extends his deepest sympathies to the family of Zachery Owens, acknowledging the pain and loss they have endured as a result of this tragic and senseless crime.