Ninth suspect in murder of Aurora woman taken into custody

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is happy to report that all nine (9) suspects in the recent homicide investigation are now in custody.

Just moments ago, the lone remaining suspect at large was taken into custody in a motel room in Branson, Mo. Gary Wayne Hunter, Jr. is no longer being sought.

Lawrence County detectives have been working tirelessly with multiple other agencies around southwest Missouri in tracking down the suspects. 

The latest part of the investigation led detectives to a possible location at a Branson motel.

With the assistance of Branson PD, the Taney County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, ATF and the Springfield Police Department, the motel was surrounded and Hunter was ordered to give himself up.

Hunter complied and then exited the room and was taken into custody without incident.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office wishes to thank all agencies involved from the beginning as well as the countless tips from citizens who did not rest until all suspects were in custody.

The investigation is really just beginning as all the pieces to this puzzle will now be put into place.

News release from earlier today

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is reporting that two more subjects are now in custody in the ongoing homicide investigation which began Sunday August 16, 2020.

Wednesday evening two wanted suspects turned themselves into the Lawrence County Jail. Both subjects were wanted for 1st Degree Murder in the death of Sarah Pasco. 

Those subjects are:

Kimberly K. Henderson, 47, of Stotts City, Missouri and Frank J. Sheridan, Jr., 27, of Aurora, Missouri. 

Both subjects were cooperative and taken into custody without incident.

To date, eight (8) of nine (9) suspects charged in this incident that resulted in the death of one female and seriously injuring another have been taken into custody.

The only remaining suspect at large is Gary Wayne Hunter, Jr. 

News release from Wednesday

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is releasing that two more subjects have been charged and arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred on Sunday evening resulting in the death of Sarah Pasco.

Taken into custody this morning and charged with 1st Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action and Kidnapping are:

Steven C. Calverley, 30, of Republic Missouri and Christina N. Knapp, 38, of Stotts City, Missouri

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is still actively working this investigation and are anticipating more arrests in this case.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

News release from Tuesday

Charges have now been filed for 1st Degree Murder in the ongoing homicide investigation west of Miller on another suspect: Sierra Dunham, 18, of Mount Vernon.

Currently four (4) people have now been charged related to the death of Sarah Pasco. The investigation is continuing and more charges are expected on additional suspects.

More information will be released when available.

News release from Tuesday

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is issuing a revised update to the homicide investigation.

The deceased victim has been identified as:

Sarah C. Pasco, 27 years old, of Aurora Missouri

Pasco was found deceased on Sunday evening August 16, 2020 by a member of the Miller Rural Fire Protection District while assisting the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office in an area search. It appeared that her death was the result of an apparent gunshot wound.

A second victim who also received gun shot wounds is still currently hospitalized in an area hospital.

Three people are currently in custody and charged with 1st Degree Murder as a result of Pasco's death. They are identified as follows:

Andrew J. Cypret, 27, of Billings, Missouri, Lyle B. Delong, 23, of Stotts City, Missouri, and Diona B. Parks, 26, of Stotts City, Missouri.

Additional charges are expected on the above subjects and two more persons of interest are also being investigated at this time.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.