A 46-year-old truck driver from Desha County is charged in the death of 17-year-old Casey Crowder. Crowder was reported missing August 28 after her car ran out of gas on Highway 65 in Dumas. Six days later, after an extensive search, her body was found near a canal. Authorities say, DNA evidence and resident interviews led to the arrest.
FOX16's talked to investigators to get the latest on the case including how Crowder died, and the suspects criminal history. "Casey was strangled to death," said Thomas Deen. New information Friday from prosecutor Thomas Deen right outside the Desha County Courthouse in Arkansas City. Right now authorities say its unknown if Crowder and suspect, 46-year-old Kenneth Osburn knew each other.
Friday, Kenneth Osburn faced a judge and was charged with capital murder and kidnapping. We did some digging and found out that this isn't the first time he's been in trouble with the law, he's been convicted of four other felonies.
"His habitual offender status is based on non-violent crimes he's previously been convicted of. He has not been convicted of any sexual offenses," said Deen.
Word that suspect Kenneth Osburn was arrested and charged with Crowders death traveled fast throughout Desha county, where Sherry Cupples lives. She's known Osburn most of her life. "Everybody is wondering did he really do this? Could he really have done this, in reality, no, but now that he's charged, you wonder who you can really trust and if I was stranded on the road, I would have taken a ride with him," said Sherry Cupples.
Friday, bond was denied for Osburn. He's being held in the Dumas City Jail, authorities say he has turned down a court appointed attorney and will retain his own counsel. Osburn will make his next court appearance within the next week.
