A Belton man pled not guilty to upgraded charges of first-degree murder after a Lawson man he allegedly shot succumbed to his injuries. Keith Bass II, 49, was originally charged and plead not guilty to four felony charges, including: one count of first-degree assault or attempt, serious physical injury or special victim; one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. Because the second victim succumbed to his injuries, the assault charge was upgraded and therefore Bass was required to plea to all charges again. On Sept. 7, 2022, the Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) received a 911 call reporting Theresa Bass and Bobby Neal Jr. had been shot. During the call, Theresa’s daughter claimed the shooter was the victim’s estranged husband, Keith Bass, according to police records. Bass now faces another murder charge as Neal passed away allegedly as a result of his injuries on March 18. An arraignment was held on Oct. 5 where Bass appeared in custody…