Man charged in fatal Independence hospital shooting

James F. Lawson, 39, has been charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm after his girlfriend, identified as Jessica Cyrus, was found shot dead at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Authorities say Cyrus was visiting Lawson, who was hospitalized, when surveillance footage showed her struggling to breathe as Lawson handled a dark object near his pants. Lawson left the hospital and was found at a nearby strip mall; police say he had a holster and ammunition but did not locate a firearm or shell casing in the hospital room. In questioning, Lawson reportedly said he did not know what happened and attributed his poor recollection to delirium from an infection and medication, while also telling detectives that the cameras showed what happened. His bond was set at $250,000 cash only.