Area man faces trial in January gun theft case

Shon Pernice, a medic with the Independence Fire Department, is scheduled go on trial Jan. 25 in Clay County, charged with the theft of a neighbor’s handgun.
Pernice appeared before a Clay County judge on Thursday. He is charged with a Class C felony of stealing a firearm. Pernice entered a not-guilty plea to the charge in February and is out of jail on a $25,000 bond.
According to court records, Pernice allegedly stole a .22-caliber Walther semi-automatic pistol from a neighbor Jan. 31. Pernice went back to the home two days later, gave the homeowner the handgun and apologized, court records state.
Pernice is the husband of Renee Pernice, a 35-year-old mother of two who has not been seen since early January. The Clay County prosecutor’s office said months ago that there is substantial evidence she is dead.
Renee Pernice had begun divorce proceedings when she disappeared, court records state. Shon Pernice has not been arrested or charged in the case.
Relatives of Renee Pernice have placed billboards throughout the metro area and are offering a $25,000 reward for information about her disappearance.