The Lake of the Ozarks community is rallying around the family of a 51-year-old woman killed by a former partner Monday.
Johnetta Yeager, of Versailles, was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend.
Her life was cut short when 56-year-old Robert Anselmo allegedly shot her on the morning of Sept. 22. She died later that evening in the hospital, leaving behind her two daughters, Sydney and Kynzie.
Yeager and Anselmo briefly dated in 2019 but remained in contact afterward. At the time of her death, the two were entangled in a civil case. Court documents reveal a pattern of escalating behavior from Anselmo, leading Yeager to seek an Ex Parte Order of Protection until a full hearing could be held. Their next court date was scheduled for Sept. 29.
Fraught History
The tensions appeared to trace back to a home renovation project. During COVID, Anselmo offered to help Yeager with repairs, saying he couldn’t accept payment because he was receiving unemployment. In a 2021 text message, he reportedly assured her that payment wasn’t his motivation: “That’s not why I did it.”
But by November 2023, the relationship had grown strained. Anselmo allegedly told Yeager’s daughter Kynzie while at work that he planned to marry her mother. Yeager later said in court filings that she confronted him, making it clear she had no interest in a romantic relationship.
“Mr. Anselmo became visibly agitated and belligerent, and I told him I no longer wanted his help with my home,” Yeager said in a filing. She asked him to leave the property and submit a final bill. Anselmo reportedly deposited checks for more than $14,000.
A month later, Yeager's home caught on fire. Both a fire marshal and an insurance agent reportedly concluded the blaze was arson.
Yeager wrote in a filing that she feared Anselmo, who still had a key to her home and motive after their confrontation. She sought an Ex Parte Order to protect herself and her daughters.
The dispute deepened in May 2024, when Anselmo served Yeager with a motion to enforce a Mechanic’s Lien, demanding more than $160,000 for labor and materials tied to the renovation. Yeager filed a counterclaim, alleging the lien was an act of revenge.
"I filed a counterclaim believing that Mr. Anselmo had deliberately and maliciously filed the Lien out of revenge for my refusal to engage in any way with his self-absorbed fantasy regarding our relationship and out of malice for my filing the ex parte order," Yeager said in a filing.
Just months later, Anselmo allegedly escalated it further — ending with Yeager’s death. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Domestic Violence
Although Yeager’s romantic relationship with Anselmo was brief and years in the past, advocates and law enforcement officials say this still falls under the umbrella of domestic violence.
"While she shared what her thoughts were about the relationship, he isn't accepting them and is continuing to try to engage (control) her, making threats and ultimately taking her life," said Sheree Keely, Executive Director of Citizens Against Domestic Violence.
CADV serves individuals and families in Morgan, Miller, Benton, and Camden counties. DV is a pattern of abusive and coercive behavior used to gain power and control over another person.
"In fact, when a victim begins to stand up to their abuser, the danger often increases," Keely said. "Because human behavior is unpredictable, victims who resist control may experience escalating threats or violence as the abuser seeks to regain dominance."
Over the past year, CADV has served 725 victims across its four-county region. Keely encourages anyone considering leaving an abusive relationship to reach out for help.
CADV Hotline: 888-809-7233
Deaf Videophone Crisis line: 321-800-3323
Join us for a powerful episode of "Take on the Lake" as we sit down with leaders from Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADV) to explore their life-changing work at Lake of the Ozarks. Discover how CADV supports victims of domestic and sexual violence, provides emergency shelter, and empowers survivors to rebuild their lives.
In this episode, Executive Director Sheree Keely and Board Member Michelle Cook share real stories, discuss the challenges victims face, and highlight the importance of community involvement. We also dive into CADV’s biggest annual fundraiser—the Brunch—how it brings people together, and why your support matters.
Whether you’re familiar with CADV or learning about them for the first time, this conversation will open your eyes to the realities of domestic violence and the hope that comes from a caring community.
Learn more, get involved, or support CADV at https://cadv-voc.org
**This episode discusses domestic and sexual violence. Please listen with care.**
• CADV hotline: 888-809-SAFE (7233)
• Website & wishlist: cadv-voc.org
• Brunch (Oct 22 @ Regalia): sponsorships only; 70% MO tax credits available
• Raffle: half-side of beef (Mead’s Farm) — tickets $10 (see site)
• Volunteer options: events, wishlist drives, trained advocacy roles
#lakeoftheozarks #domesticviolenceawareness #missouri #nonprofit
"Advocates help victims create safety plans for themselves and their children, offering support and guidance throughout the difficult process of leaving," Keely said.
CADV is also hosting its annual Brunch on Oct. 22 at the Regalia Hotel and Convention Center, where a survivor will share their story. Community members can support the event through sponsorships or donations at CADVBrunch25.givesmart.com.
"Together, we can shine a light on domestic violence, stand with survivors, and work toward a future free from abuse," Keely said.
How To Help
The people who are most affected by Yeager's death are her two daughters. Friends and family have organized a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, household bills, and eventually, college costs.
"Johnetta's loyalty and kindness were unmatched—she was the first to offer help to those around her, and her smile could brighten anyone's day," the fundraiser states. "Her love for gardening was well known, and her beautiful flowers were a reflection of the care she gave to her family and friends."
As the community rallies behind her daughters, advocates say raising awareness and speaking up is one way to honor Johnetta's legacy.
