A Decaturville area man accused of illegally possessing a firearm after the shooting death of a Linn Creek man is being allowed to represent himself in the courtroom. Dustin Scott Burkhart has filed several motions in the case, in Camden County, including one asking for a recognizance bond. Among other motions filed by Burkhart include shortening the time for his motions to be considered, a request for proper courtroom attire and a request for a stenographer to be used during his preliminary hearing. Burkhart is accused of getting into a dispute during the early morning hours of August 10th with Joseph Beeman. Beeman reportedly pulled a gun prompting Burkhart to retrieve one of his own before the two exchanged fire. Beeman was struck and later died as a result of his injuries. There have been no charges filed as a result of the death. The motions filed by Burkhart are to be taken up and considered by Judge Steve Jackson on October 24th with a preliminary hearing on the docket for November 7th.
