Human Remains Found In Cook Station

On March 17, 2023, search operations were ended in the 300 block of Mound Ridge Rd. After three days of searching, several items were discovered along with human skeletal remains. 

At this time several items were located that are consistent with the an open missing persons case from Crawford County involving Amanda Caudill. 

On December 15, 2014, Amanda Caudill was reported missing, along with a .270 rifle, a camouflage coat, Muck boots, and her cell phone.  The items of clothing that have been recovered during the search from March 15-17, 2023 are consistent with those same items and a .270 rifle was also located. Further search of the clothing resulted in the discovery of a cell phone matching the description provided for Amanda’s cellular phone. 

Additionally, a Missouri driver’s license belonging to Amanda Caudill was located within one of the pockets. 

The remains were turned over to the Crawford County Coroner’s Office for identifications purposes and it may be several months before any confirmation of identity. The Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with members of the Caudill family advising them of the preliminary findings. The investigation is ongoing and when further information is developed it will be released.

Earlier: The Crawford County Sheriff's Office is investigating after human skeletal remains were located on a property March 15 on a property in Cook Station.

Major Adam Carnal said deputies were alerted that night to suspicious clothing found on Mound Ridge Road.

A search warrant was granted and deputies found the remains and clothing.

Due to the remoteness, terrain and scale of the area, the search stopped. 

The following day, deputies enlisted the Steelville Fire Department, Rolla Rural Fire Department and Crawford County Coroner's Office for assistance.

Carnal said there has not been a positive identification of the remains and the investigation is in the early stages.