Tag Archives: homicide

Homicide investigation in Allen and Neosho counties

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ALLEN COUNTY, Kan – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead Saturday evening, December 3 in Chanute, Kan.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI for investigative assistance just after 5 p.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded and began investigating.

At around 4:50 p.m., Casey M. Dye, 43, of Petrolia, Kan., arrived at the Allen County Sheriff’s Office and provided a statement to sheriff’s deputies.

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Shortly after, law enforcement officers located a deceased man in a vehicle inside an automotive glass shop at 7545 Kansas Highway 39, in Chanute. The man, who was identified as Ryan M. Holcomb, 45, from Chanute, had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dye was arrested for first-degree murder and was booked into the Allen County Jail. Formal charges are pending, and additional charges are expected.

Investigators allege Dye killed Holcomb Saturday morning at a rural property in Allen County, and then moved his body to the business in Chanute where he was discovered.

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All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our news alerts so you don’t miss an article.

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Dateline 2004: Woman put to death for killing pregnant woman, stealing baby

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TERRE HAUTE, In. – 01/13/21 — The U.S. government carried out its first execution of a female inmate in nearly seven decades in January of 2021.

Federal authorities executed a Kansas woman who in 2004 strangled an expectant mother in Missouri and cut the baby from her womb. The baby survived.

Lisa Montgomery was pronounced dead shortly after receiving a lethal injection at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Montgomery killed 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in Skidmore, Missouri. She was traced due to email communication. Montgomery posed as someone wanting to purchase a dog.

She was the 11th prisoner executed since July 2020, when President Donald Trump resumed federal executions following 17 years without one.

| KOAM NEWS NOW >>Pregnant mother murdered and baby cut out. The Watermans are transferred to face Federal charges 

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Investigators: Body in southwest Missouri is missing pregnant Arkansas woman, Ashley Bush

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MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. – Authorities say human remains found in southwest Missouri are those of Ashley Bush, who was reported missing out of Benton County, Arkansas. Because this case crosses state lines, the FBI has joined the investigation.

The Benton County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office held a press conference shortly after 4:00 pm today. You can watch it below and find the Q&A portion here.

They say two people have been arrested for kidnapping in the case. Authorities believe both were involved in the crime. The charges in the case will develop as jurisdictions are figured out. The two individuals are:

  • Amber Waterman
  • Jamie Waterman

According to arrest records, they are in custody at this time for kidnapping. The Watermans are husband and wife.

There are several details the Benton County Sheriff’s Office says they don’t know or can’t release at this time. An autopsy is being scheduled. They do believe Bush died from a gunshot wound, but again, are waiting for autopsy results to confirm.

Ashley Bush was last seen on October 31, 2022, at the intersection of Hwy 72 and Hwy 43 in Maysville, Arkansas. At this time, authorities believe she thought she was getting into a vehicle with a woman named “Lucy” following an online meeting for a job interview.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office says they believe that woman was Amber Waterman.

During the press conference, authorities said the following, “This is just a reminder there is evil in the world. People do evil things.”

Keep reading to learn more about what’s believed to happen to the baby and the missing person case.

Information from McDonald County after Human Remains were Found

Missouri authorities say human remains were recovered Thursday, November 3, 2022, at a home in rural McDonald County, Missouri.

Sheriff Rob Evenson says Benton County, Ark. Detectives investigating a missing person case alerted Missouri authorities to a residence at 1848 Laughlin Ridge Road in rural McDonald County. Human remains were recovered at that location.

Benton County, Arkansas Sheriff’s deputies were also on the scene at the McDonald County home.

Authorities have not identified the body. They are waiting on DNA confirmation.

Additionally, Sheriff Evenson tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker they responded on Monday night to reports of a newborn baby not breathing. EMS intercepted the couple near Longview, Mo. as they were on the way to a hospital.

EMS could not revive the baby, and the baby died.

According to the Sheriff, the woman claimed the baby was hers. However, Sheriff Evenson tells KOAM they could not confirm that.

The couple that met EMS on the road Monday night resides at 1848 Laughlin Ridge Road.

“Two people were taken into custody and are being held in the McDonald County Jail pending the filing of formal charges.

This was another demonstration of how teamwork can bring a difficult and complicated case to a quick conclusion.” – McDonald County Sheriff’s Office

Missing Persons Case

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Ashley Bush was last seen in the passenger seat of and older model tan pickup truck on the afternoon of October 31, 2022, at the intersection of Hwy 72 and Hwy 43 in Maysville Arkansas.

The driver was a white woman in her 40’s with shoulder-length brown hair who stated her name was “Lucy”.

Ashley met Lucy online when she was looking for a job working from home. Lucy picked her up that morning at the Handi-Mart in Maysville to take her to a job interview in Bentonville.

At approximately 3:00 pm, Ashley texted her ride to say she was in Gravette, on her way to Handi-Mart, so he could pick her up. Lucy and Ashley arrived at the intersection near Handi-Mart, turned north onto Hwy 43 and continued north. She has not been seen or heard from since.

She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and black slip-on shoes. She was 31 weeks pregnant.

Stay with KOAM for additional information as information is released on this developing case.

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KBI investigates homicide in rural Allen County

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ALLEN COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a man was found dead in the shop outside of his home in rural La Harpe, Kansas.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the KBI on Wednesday, May 4.

Authorities say on Tuesday morning, May 3, at around 9:55 a.m., the Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had located a deceased family member.

When deputies arrived at 1255 2400th St. in La Harpe, they discovered the body of 68-year-old Richard Diehl, of La Harpe. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy was performed. The preliminary autopsy results indicated that the manner of Diehl’s death was homicide.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities do not believe a threat to the public exists related to this crime.

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Man pleads guilty to killing his mother and attempt to murder another family member

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DELAWARE COUNTY, Okla. – A Jay man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court for shooting and killing his mother and wounding a second victim, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Christopher Weeley, 42, pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country and assault with intent to commit murder in Indian Country.

Weeley admitted that on March 6, 2021, he killed his mother, Annie Marie Weeley, by shooting her in the chest. He also admitted to shooting a second family member two times during the domestic violence incident.

“Christopher Weeley’s acts of deadly violence forever changed a Delaware County family,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My thoughts are with the surviving victim as she struggles to recover from the shooting and with the entire family as this case moves through the justice system. I encourage any family experiencing violence to seek assistance from law enforcement and victim service agencies who can help provide critical safety information and resources.”

“The unfathomable assaults of the Weeley family members is nothing a household should ever experience,” said Ed Gray, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Oklahoma City Field Office. “We hope they find solace in knowing this heinous crime will not go unpunished and the FBI, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to work relentlessly in pursuit of maintaining safety and order with our communities.”

On March 6, 2021, a Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to a home in Jay. While en route, he received a radio call advising him there was a report of shots fired at the home with two possible victims. When he arrived at 11:17 pm, he found Annie Marie Weeley wounded and unresponsive on the floor and a second family member on the couch with gunshot wounds to her stomach and lower back.

The two victims were transported to the hospital, where the mother was pronounced dead. The second victim underwent emergency surgery.

Christopher Weeley was located approximately one hour later exiting a black sedan. Weeley refused to obey deputies’ commands and resisted arrest. He was ultimately subdued and taken into custody. During a law enforcement interview, Weeley told investigators the location where he discarded the .22 caliber revolver used in the incident, and deputies retrieved the firearm.

The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced family violence, you are not alone, and there are services available to help. The following agencies provide 24/7 phone lines to victims in northeastern Oklahoma: 

All three of the above agencies assist Indian and non-Indian victims.

In addition, you can find a resources page on the Office on Violence Against Women’s website. The page includes contact information for state domestic violence coalitions that can direct you to local resources and services.

For emergency services, call 911.

 

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Pittsburg Police arrest homicide suspect

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg Police Department has a homicide suspect in custody.

Authorities arrested 23-year-old Bri’yon Ezra Baker early Sunday morning for the murder of 18-year-old Jase Elizabeth Delich.

Investigators say Delich was shot at an apartment on the 400 block of Broadway Street Saturday night and died at the scene.

Police arrested Baker who is from Tennessee after reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses.

Baker is facing 2nd degree murder charges and is in the Crawford County Jail where he is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700.

Monett Man Arrested and Charged with Killing Another Monett Man

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((MONETT, Mo.)) A Monett man has been charged in connection to a Barry County homicide. Dylan Rixon Williams, 21, is charged with second degree murder and armed criminal action. He’s being held in the Barry County Jail without bond. On Friday, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office was called to an area off Farm Road 1078 and Farm Road 2140. There they found Daylon Michael Anderson, 25, of Monett laying dead in a field from an apparent gunshot wound.

Coffeyville homicide investigation underway, 1 suspect arrested

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COFFEYVILLE, Kan. – The Coffeyville Police Department releases information about an ongoing homicide investigation. Authorities have arrested one suspect in New Mexico.

On Friday, April 23, 2021 around 10:13 a.m., Police responded to the 700 block of West Martin Street in Coffeyville, Kansas for a shooting. Authorities say a private vehicle had taken the gunshot victim, 46-year-old Christopher Temple, to the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

Temple was later taken to St. Francis hospital in Tulsa, where he died.

The Coffeyville Police Department says that authorities have arrested one suspect, Alfonso Ruiz Robles, 24, also of Coffeyville.

Chief Bromley extended his thanks to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Co. Sheriff Office, Torrance Co. New Mexico Sheriff’s Department and surrounding New Mexico agencies for their assistance.

Anyone with information can call CPD at 620-252-6160, Detective Sergeant Lucas Vargas at 620-252-6010, or Detective Kastler at 620-252-6145. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information to the Crime Tip Hotline at 620-252-6133.

New autopsy finds Kansas Black man’s 2004 death was homicide

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) – The case of a Black man who died following a party in rural Kansas more than 16 years ago has been ruled a homicide after his body was exhumed as federal authorities investigate his death as a possible hate crime.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said Monday that a new autopsy on the body of Alonzo Brooks concluded the cause of death was homicide. His body was exhumed last year from a Topeka cemetery and transported to Dover Air Force Base for an examination.

(Previous story: FBI gives update as investigation continues into 2004 La Cygne cold case)

Brooks was 23 when he disappeared after attending a party near La Cygne, Kansas, in May 2004. His family later found his body in a creek near where the party was held.

The FBI reopened the investigation in 2019 and offered a $100,000 reward for information.

Federal authorities say Brooks’ death was possibly racially motivated. He was one of only three Black people at a party attended by about 100 people at a farm near La Cygne.

“We knew that Alonzo Brooks died under very suspicious circumstances,” Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard said in a news release. “This new examination by a team of the world’s best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Alonzo Brooks was killed. We are doing everything we can, and will spare no resources, to bring those responsible to justice.”

The new autopsy focused on injuries to parts of Brooks’ body that the examiner concluded are inconsistent with normal patterns of decomposition, the FBI said.

“The FBI’s commitment to justice remains at the forefront of each and every investigation,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan. “Our reach is broad, and the strength of our investigative tools are exceptional. We remain dedicated to uncovering the truth surrounding the murder of Alonzo Brooks and ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

The Alonzo Brooks case was featured on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix.

Man gets life for killing girlfriend with lawnmower blade

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POCOLA, Okla. – A man accused of killing his girlfriend with a lawnmower blade in eastern Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to the crime and will spend life in prison.

In August of 2018, Steven Asher of Hackett, Arkansas, was charged with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of Amanda Miller in the front yard of a home in Pocola, Oklahoma. He is also accused of injuring two people who attempted to intervene.

Asher ran from the scene and was later caught by Pocola police following a search that involved K-9 officers and a helicopter.

He had run-ins with the law before the incident. Officers had been called to his home twice before the fatal stabbing for domestic abuse situations.

Asher pleaded guilty to the murder on March 3, 2021, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole on March 16. He was also sentenced to over 10 years in prison for two assault and battery charges.

He will serve his prison sentence at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.