Stephen Munn, 54, was found dead on property he owned on Youngstown Trail in Kirksville, Missouri. The case dates to July 5, 2022, when Munn was fatally shot with a shotgun. His charred remains were discovered on July 10 and later identified by DNA.

Authorities say a man living in a shed on Munn’s property, 38-year-old Jesse Darrell Rongey, was identified as the perpetrator. Investigators allege Rongey dismembered Munn with a reciprocating saw and a hand saw, then tried to burn the remains on a burn pile. A warrant charged Rongey with multiple felonies including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and abandonment of a corpse. Rongey was described as possibly having altered his appearance and as armed and dangerous during the ensuing manhunt.

A large search by local and federal authorities followed. In early September 2022, skeletal remains later identified as Rongey were found in a ditch about a quarter-mile from the crime scene; the Adair County coroner determined the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. If anyone has information about Stephen Munn, his activities on Youngstown Trail, or events around July 5–10, 2022, please come forward.