November 6, 2026
HIGH RIDGE, Mo. — A 21-year-old Dittmer man has been charged with first-degree murder and five additional charges after two men were shot outside a High Ridge business Thursday evening, leaving one dead, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Dave Marshak announced Friday that Robert M. Kalbach faces one count each of first-degree murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, along with three counts of armed criminal action.
Authorities identified the man who died as Joseph Schertler, 26, of Cedar Hill. The second shooting victim has not been publicly identified in the sheriff’s release, and his latest medical condition was not provided.
What investigators say happened
Deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. November 5 to a business in the 2800 block of High Ridge Boulevard. They found two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, began lifesaving measures and arranged for emergency medical crews to transport both men to area hospitals. Schertler later died.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators believe Kalbach drove to the business and encountered a group that included Schertler, the other shooting victim and additional people. Witnesses described an altercation between Kalbach and members of that group.
Witnesses told investigators that members of the group threw eggs at Kalbach’s vehicle. Authorities allege Kalbach then pulled a firearm while still inside the vehicle and fired several shots, striking Schertler and the second victim, before driving away.
The egg-throwing account is an allegation attributed to witnesses in the investigation; authorities have not established a motive in the released documents.
Probable cause statement and arrest
A probable cause statement dated November 6 and prepared by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Detective R. Huber says deputies found the two injured men in the parking lot of a business on High Ridge Boulevard at approximately 8:27 p.m. Both were transported to hospitals with serious injuries, and one was later pronounced dead.
The detective wrote that Kalbach returned to his residence, where he was taken into custody. Investigators reported recovering evidence from the scene and Kalbach’s vehicle consistent with a shooting. The public statement does not specify the nature of that evidence.
The sheriff’s office said Kalbach was arrested without incident and is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond. The agency credited Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski and her staff for quickly obtaining an in-custody warrant.
The investigation remains ongoing. The charges are allegations. Kalbach is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office news release, November 6, 2026; probable cause statement, report No. 2026-42031, dated November 6, 2026. Booking photograph provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
