11 August 2023 , 19:45
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A woman found dead inside a barrel is the witness in a gruesome abduction case, officials have said.
Officials announced on Thursday that there is a possibility of another barrel hidden within the Missouri River, with further evidence connected to the case involving a white man accused of abducting, sexually assaulting, and imprisoning an African American woman in the basement of his suburban residence near Kansas City last year.
It follows the discovery of the remains of a Black woman, described as a potential witness to the alleged kidnapping, within a blue barrel recovered from the river.
Alexander Higginbotham, spokesperson for the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, urged the public to stay alert for suspicious items, specifically blue barrels, in the vicinity of the Missouri River.
He stated: "We have reason to believe that additional evidence may be contained in another blue barrel that could be located on the Missouri River."
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Timothy Haslett Jr has been charged with sodomy, kidnapping and rape (Clay County Sheriff’s Office)Following the announcement of the discovery of the second woman, Jaynie Crosdale, prosecutors declared on Monday that the previously established bail of $3 million for Timothy Haslett Jr. was inadequate to ensure community safety and the well-being of the victim.
Haslett, indicted in February on nine charges including rape, sodomy, and kidnapping, has pleaded not guilty. A judge denied the bond request, and as of now, Haslett has not been charged in relation to Ms Crosdale's demise.
In a statement issued on Monday, the prosecutor's office revealed that Ms Crosdale had been present "inside" Haslett's house prior to his arrest on October 7.
Officials probe Missouri River for more evidence in white man's alleged kidnapping case (KSHB)Despite attempts, contacting Ms Crosdale's relatives has proven unsuccessful. In January, Excelsior Springs police identified Ms Crosdale as a potential witness in Haslett's case and appealed for public assistance in locating her, stating that she had "information about the investigation."
Mr Higginbotham, citing an ongoing investigation, declined to confirm if it remains accurate to label Ms Crosdale as a witness and whether forthcoming charges are pending in her death.
Remains found in a blue barrel, prompting search for additional clues in river (Global News)Nonetheless, Mr Higginbotham asserted, "However, our office is working closely with law enforcement to gather all evidence and information that is needed to build the strongest case possible and deliver justice for Jaynie Crosdale. We will continue to pursue evidence quickly and aggressively in this matter and hope to be able to provide the public with more information in the near future."
Timothy Haslett Jr has been indicted on charges including rape, sodomy, and kidnapping (KSHB)Mr Higginbotham noted that the county's chief prosecutor, Zachary Thompson, along with a deputy prosecutor, recently accompanied the Missouri Highway Patrol to acquaint themselves with the area where Ms Crosdale's remains were discovered.
Her body was identified on July 30 after kayakers spotted the blue barrel in Saline County, east of Haslett's Excelsior Springs home. Mr Higginbotham refrained from elaborating further on the search details.
In a preceding incident, a 22-year-old woman managed to escape from Haslett's residence with a padlocked metal collar around her neck and duct tape covering her mouth, as stated in a probable cause affidavit, seen by NBC News.
Authorities believe there may be another barrel in the Missouri River (KSHB)According to the document, the woman recounted that Haslett had picked her up from Kansas City in early September and accused him of subjecting her to rape, whipping, and handcuffed restraint for several weeks.
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Her escape occurred when Haslett took his child to school, and she sought assistance from neighbours, imploring for help. A neighbour named Ciara Tharpe recollected the woman mentioning that other acquaintances who had also been captive did not survive the ordeal.