News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr (573) 840-9500 plunkl@mshp.state.mo.us

#: 2003-08-02

Date: August 27, 2003



EMPHASIS: Troop E Anhydrous Ammonia Theft- One Suspect Commits Suicide



At approximately 12:40 am, August 27, 2003, officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol observed the attempted theft of anhydrous ammonia and successfully arrested three subjects without incident. The arrest occurred at a nearby agriculture supply business, just outside the city limits of East Prairie, MO.

After the initial arrest, officers were completing their investigation of the incident and utilized the temporary holding facility at the East Prairie City Jail. Despite routine inspections by the staff, officers discovered the body of a 21-year-old New Madrid, MO man at 2:27 a.m. The individual who was a suspect from the earlier anhydrous theft had apparently committed suicide.



Attempts were made to revive man and CPR was initiated until EMS personnel arrived at the jail. The male prisoner was transported by ambulance to the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, MO, where he was later pronounced dead. There were no other inmates in the cell at the time of the incident and no warning signs associated with suicide were evident.



The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing the investigation in cooperation with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the East Prairie Police Department, and the Mississippi County Coroner’s Office. The names of the other two subjects are being held until formal charges are filed by the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Any request for additional information concerning this case should be directed to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett Jr., until further notice.