By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Ariel Starcher, whose body was found in a bag alongside Vincent Road in southern Buchanan County about one year ago.
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release that Taylor Stoughton was arrested in Independence. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Lee’s Summit Police Department, and the Independence Police Department.
Puett says his office is also seeking Marcus Brooks in connection with the case. Brooks is said to live and frequent the Platte City area.
The body of Ariel Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence was discovered when a road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation spotted a bag in the ditch of Vincent Road south of Faucett on February 18th of last year. The road crew became suspicious and called in Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies to investigate. The deputies discovered Starcher’s body in the bag. Starcher was 21.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Marcus Brooks should contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 816-236-8845 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-238- 8477.
Puett says the case will be submitted to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney for review of charges.