This past Saturday, the family of Brandon Wood wished him a “Happy Heavenly 29th birthday” on Facebook, nearly one month after Wood’s missing person’s case partially came to a close.
After missing for five years, three months and 21 days, Wood’s body was discovered on Dec. 26 reportedly 15 miles east of Ava near County Road 126.
New construction in the area led to the discovery of Wood’s remains, including a skull. Three days later, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department received the confirmation based on dental records provided by the Missouri Department of Corrections.
His remains were found in the same area in which officers searched back in 2015.
In a press conference, Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase says his department has plans to go back to reinterview people they talked to in the past about the case.
“We’re going to back to those people that we now know lied to us, who indicated that they were providing us with some very good information and this is where he would be at, so obviously they lied and we’re going to go back and find out why.”
Wood’s sister, Maria Eaton-Trimble, recently made a passionate plea for those who know what happened to her brother and for those who might be responsible to finally come forward to bring closure to this case.
“A message to those who was involved, those who knew but didn’t say, or those who just straight out lied covering,” she said. “We pray for you and your loved ones especially. For they will endured heartache they don’t deserve as the same for us. Your families will sit and wonder why or how you could do such a horrid thing. And if there’s children involved, we pray the most for they will never understand any of this. For family is the most precious and tragic thing to lose. We pray for peace for them and most of all understanding as we have to do so each and every day. But most of all we pray for you. To live with this. The weight of this on your mind and soul. Watching your every move, looking over your should constantly. Not knowing who you can trust or who is against you. Knowing they will be coming for you. I want to reassure you all they are coming for you and are watching you. We all are. It must be very exhausting to being you. Do know we knew with in the first 48 hours of Brandon missing something bad happen. Someone took his life. Now I ask of you. Come to peace with in your soul and just speak the truth. Regardless if it was horrid act of a crime or if it was a tragic accident just speak of it. Free yourself, mind and soul. Come to peace with yourself and give peace
to Brandon he deserves more than what you all have given him.”
While waiting for the case to be solved, Eaton-Trimble is thankful for the efforts of not only law enforcement, but also for the communities who never gave up and the individuals that helped search for her brother.
She is also thankful for those who supported each lead, even it was considered a crazy one, as well as those who shared posts on social media to keep letting people know that Brandon was still missing and needed to be found. A Facebook page called “Justice for Brandon Wood” will continue to provide updates as they are made available.
Wood’s death has been officially ruled a homicide. Anyone with information are encouraged to contact that Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 417-683-1020.
