Sep 09, 2022

Sheriff working to ID body found in rural Kansas hay field

Posted Sep 09, 2022 9:00 PM
Garrett Russell, 30, Lawrence was reported missing by his family on Aug. 24 and is last known to be driving a white 1998 Toyota with the Kansas license plate 619 RGX, photo Franklin County Sheriff.
Garrett Russell, 30, Lawrence was reported missing by his family on Aug. 24 and is last known to be driving a white 1998 Toyota with the Kansas license plate 619 RGX, photo Franklin County Sheriff.

LINN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are working to ID a body found in rural Linn County.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday a citizen reported that a deceased body was found in a hay field in the area of 2400 and Iliff Road, Fontana, Kansas, according to Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend.

The location is just south of the Linn, Miami County Kansas line near Middle Creek.

Deputies responded and confirmed the report. Detectives were called to begin investigation of the findings. Deputies canvassed the area and discovered a 2000 Toyota passenger vehicle on the property in a wooded area.  The vehicle and body were separated by some distance and not within site of one another.

Items of personal property were found scattered about the property. The body was collected and sent for forensic review.

Officials have not confirmed the identity of the body.

Investigators returned to the area on Thursday in the daylight hours to search for any other items. Detectives were being assisted by the Drone Operations Unit to fully search the property as it is a large area, according to Friend.

Linn County Detectives are working with the Ottawa Police Department on the investigation as they believe there may be a connection with a case from their jurisdiction.