My question involves personal property located in the State of: Missouri
I used to live with a guy I'll name him John.
We had a year contract, I left after a year and helped another fried move in that I'll call Mark.
The contract was somehow still in my name after I left, long story short, I am the leaseholder of the apartment still, while John is labeled as a resident in the apartment. Mark's name is not on any paperwork.
John and Mark were paying month to month at the apartment. I have not been living there for over 6 months.
All the bills are in my name and I was letting them pay it as there was a huge issue about me not living there with our Landlord's manager.
According to the Landlord's manager they can't pay month to month and they shouldn't be able to do that.
I guess the landlord let it slide, I am still on the lease.
John just recently attempted suicide again, right on when the rent was due.
He signed a letter to Mark saying to sell all of his stuff as payment.
John owes Mark and I both around $1000.00 each as well.
Mark, another friend, and I all moved Mark's stuff out because we are all done of dealing with John's shit.
Mark let me in and since I am on all the paperwork let me take most of the valuable belongings to sell to pay off the bills. (Rent and utilities)
The total of everything on the apartment will come out to over $700.00 and what I took will not even cover that.
John is now coherent in the hospital and is raising hell that I took his stuff.
His letter doesn't mention anything about death, but says "Sell my stuff to cover my payment. Sorry but it's all I can do."
John's Mom and Stepdad are raising hell saying I stole it, even though John consented in writing and signed a letter stating to sell his stuff to cover his payment.
They told me they had called the cops etc..
Mark and I are still owed a ton of money by John, but mainly want to pay the bills at the apartment since I am on all the paperwork.
We just want to be done with the apartment and with John.
What I am wanting to know is if, and probably when, this comes to court am I completely in the right?
I have the original copy of his letter on hand and have made scans.
I told John, his mom, and stepfather that I have no issue returning the items, as long as the bills are all paid by them.
They are trying to convince me to give the stuff back, and I know John has no way to pay me back, also John's mom pretty much said that she wouldn't pay me.
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Also should I just go ahead and file a claim in small claims court, or should I wait until / if they submit any legal action toward me.

