09/25/2026
September 25, 2026

EMPHASIS: Two Charged/Arrested In Connection To An Investigation Into Abandonment Of Two Infants

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Keith J. Armbruster, 41, Valles Mines, MO, and Rebecca L. Whaley, 31, Bonne Terre, MO, for two counts of Abandonment of a Corpse. The arrests are in connection to the death of the stillborn infants which were located in St. Francois County, MO. This arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by DDCC criminal investigators, with the assistance of the St. Francois County Coroner’s Office, St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office, Bonne Terre Police Department, and the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office.

On June 16, 2026, investigators with DDCC were requested by the Bonne Terre Police Department to investigate allegations of two Missouri residents who conspired to dispose of the remains of two stillborn infants in rural St. Francois County. Through investigative techniques, forensic evidence, and interviews, investigators developed information corroborating the allegations. DDCC investigators continued their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the location of the remains. During the investigation, law enforcement identified Armbruster and Whaley as persons of interest.

On July 7, 2026, DDCC investigators identified the location where the infants were buried. Investigators subsequently conducted a forensic excavation of the site, resulting in the recovery of the remains. Investigators completed a probable cause statement documenting their findings and sent it to the St. Francois Prosecutors Office for review and consideration of formal charges.

On September 21, 2026, a St. Francois County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Armbruster and Whaley with two counts each of Abandonment Of A Corpse.

On September 22, 2026, Armbruster and Whaley were located and taken into custody by members of Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office. Armbruster and Whaley are being held in the St. Francois County Jail on $100,000.00 bond each.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Corporal Jason Ashby with the Patrol at Jason.Ashby@mshp.dps.mo.gov or by calling 636-300-2800.

The charges for which the above individuals were arrested are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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