BreeAnn Rodriguez
Updated: 10:10 p.m., Aug. 16
DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. -- In a release from the Dunklin County Prosecuting
Attorney's Office, Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder, Senath Police
Chief Omar Karnes, and Dunklin County Prosecuting Attoreny Stephen P.
Sokoloff have confirmed that law enforcement officers working the
investigation of the disappearance of 3-year-old BreeAnn Rodriguez have
located what are believed to be the child's remains near the floodway
ditches northeast of Hornersville, Mo., approximately eight miles
southeast of her home in Senath, Mo.
According to the officials, her remains were located by an officer of
the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol, who was searching by
boat.
Shortly after the discovery, authorities notified the child's parents,
Edgar Rodriguez and Claudia Ramos, that her body was found.
"We appreciate all the help and support from the community in what has
been a difficult time for all," Holder said. "We are saddened to confirm
our fears, but glad we have been able to recover her for her parents."
Rodriguez and her bicycle disappeared near her home on Ode Johnson Street just over a week ago.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, authorities announced Shawn Morgan, 43, of Ode
Johnson Street in Senath, had been arrested in connection to the
disappearance and death of the child.
On Monday, Aug. 15, a probable cause of death affidavit was released relating to the young child's death.
According to the affidavit, on Friday, Aug. 12, authorities conducted an
interview with Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath, who stated on the day the
child went missing, he discovered her standing on the ladder at the pool
in his backyard. Morgan said he went to the girl, grabbed her, and
carried her inside his house, where he used a white plastic trash bag to
suffocate her, by holding it over her face and mouth.
Shawn Morgan
The affidavit continues, adding Morgan then stated he placed the child's
body in the same trash bag, drove to the floodway ditches at Highway
164, and disposed of her by throwing her over the railing. Morgan added
that upon returning to his residence, he dismantled the bicycle that
Rodriguez had been riding, and disposed of it in the same river system.
Morgan has been charged with the felony counts of First Degree Murder,
Armed Criminal Action and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He made his
first court appearance earlier today (Tuesday).
During his arraignment, Judge John Spielman read the charges against
Morgan, and inquired about counsel. Morgan said he had not yet acquired
an attorney.
A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, to allow Morgan time to acquire an attorney.
Morgan is currently being held at the Dunklin County Justice Center with no bond.
http://www.dddnews.com/story/1753709.html
