A Mountain Grove man was arrested after deputies say he threatened to kill a Mountain Grove family and later made violent threats toward law enforcement. According to a probable cause statement filed Tuesday, Deputy David House responded on September 7 to a residence where a woman reported a man pounding on her garage door and yelling that he would “kill everyone on the property.”
The victim identified the suspect as Edward Jay Morey, who deputies say was involved in a similar incident in 2025 and is listed in MULES as armed and dangerous.
Deputies located Morey at his residence, where House reported finding him unresponsive on a bed near an open window. As the deputy attempted to wake him, a pit bull lunged, prompting the use of OC spray. Morey then exited the home, admitted going to the victim’s property, and was taken into custody after initially refusing commands.
During transport, House wrote that Morey became highly aggressive, repeatedly used racial slurs, and threatened to kill the deputy and his family, saying he was “worth killing” and that his family would “have to relocate.” Morey also claimed he had put Hepatitis B on the patrol vehicle seat.
Due to statements made, Morey was transported to Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, to be placed on a 96‑hour hold. A doctor evaluated him but declined admission due to hospital occupancy, noting Morey may have a significant psychological personality disorder.
Morey is charged with first‑degree stalking. The case was electronically filed in Wright County on September 8.
