Remains Found in Burned SUV Confirmed as Missing Franklin County Man

Franklin Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Human remains found in a burned SUV, in a remote part of Washington County, have been identified as those of 63-year-old Dale Ryerson, a Sullivan man who had been reported missing the day before the discovery.

The tragic identification was confirmed by Sullivan Police Chief Patrick Johnson, who said the remains were found just one day after Ryerson was reported missing on October 22. An Endangered Person Advisory was issued for Ryerson following disturbing evidence discovered at his residence, including signs of a struggle and violent assault.

A witness reported seeing 34-year-old Cody Hunt, also of Sullivan, dragging what appeared to be a deceased person to Ryerson’s SUV and driving away. Later that evening, police located the SUV in Washington County, where it had been set ablaze with human remains inside.

Hunt was taken into custody the next day at a residence in Washington County. He currently faces multiple charges, including abandonment of a corpse, knowingly burning, tampering with evidence, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Additional charges may be pending in Franklin County as the investigation continues.