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| Updated: 10/05/2011 6:07 pm |
Published: 10/05/2011 11:48 am |
TRASKWOOD, AR - Detectives spent most of Wednesday sifting for more evidence after officers unearthed two bodies found buried in the yard of a home at 2902 West Main in Traskwood.
Lt. Kevin Russell with Benton police believes one of the two bodies is likely that of Joe Lee Richards Jr, 40, missing since October 2010.
"It’s very surprising. I mean even when you're in law enforcement for many years you don't expect to see something like this," Russell says.
Richards ailing father Joe Lee Richards Sr., who is also a city of Benton alderman, said Wednesday he believes his son was killed inside the home which is owned by Marissa Wright, 50.
"I have no doubt it is my son. I've known that since three weeks after he disappeared," Richards Sr. says.
Police say Wright is a person of interest but is not charged now.
"We do expect charges to be issued forthcoming in the near future," Russell says.
Multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant on the same property Monday.
A source close to the investigation tells FOX16 News the big break came when detectives discovered a note Tuesday specifying where the bodies could be found. Lt. Russell says he can not confirm or deny that part of case because it is still under investigation.
Now Joe Lee Richards wants justice for his youngest son.
"All I hope is the people responsible have to spend the rest of their lives thinking about it behind bars somewhere," he says.
The human remains were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for positive identification.
