SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A Springfield teen allegedly damaged 17 vehicles in a Missouri State University (MSU) freshman parking lot in late August, with ChatGPT and cell data used in the investigation leading to his arrest.

According to online court dockets, Ryan James Schaefer, born in 2006, is charged with felony first-degree property damage in Greene County Circuit Court.

According to the probable cause statement, Schaefer entered an MSU parking lot at 2:49 a.m. on Aug. 28 and remained there for over half an hour.

While in the lot, Schaefer allegedly vandalized 17 vehicles — shattering windshields, ripping off windshield wipers and side mirrors, and denting hoods.

There was not a total amount of estimated damage, but the statement lists a repair estimate of $2,478.60 for one Honda Accord

See Full Page