Full Notification

On Friday, October 21, 2016, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Greene County Sheriff's Deputies were called to check on 80-year old MARY J. SHISLER after a neighbor noticed a suspicious, unfamiliar vehicle was parked the driveway of her home in the 8300 block of North Farm Road 223. The neighbor advised the back door was open and the home had been ransacked. There was also a strong gas odor inside the home and an unknown liquid were on the floors.

Upon Deputies arrival, they located a dark-colored Subaru which did not belong to Mrs. Shisler and was not able to locate her vehicle or Mrs. Shisler.

A Webster County resident called 9-1-1 after observing an unknown vehicle pull into their driveway. A Webster County Sheriff's Deputy determined the vehicle belonged to Mrs. Shisler based on information provided by the resident. With the assistance of the Marshfield Police Department and Webster County Sheriff's Office, information was quickly relayed about the active investigation to locate Mrs. Shisler and any person connected to her disappearance or events which occurred at her home. A Missouri State Highway Trooper stopped Mrs. Shisler's maroon Dodge Dakota after the driver pulled into the driveway of a home whose homeowner called 9-1-1 to reporting the suspicious behavior. The 16-year old male driver, from Republic, Missouri, was taken into custody without further incident and transported the Greene County Juvenile Detention facility for his involvement.

Shortly before 11:00 p.m., GCSO Detectives located Mrs. Shisler's body in a nearby field outside of her home and observed visible stab wounds; she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary Shisler during this extremely devastating time," states Sheriff Jim Arnott. "Our Detectives are working very diligently on this investigation so we can all have a more clear picture of what occurred. It appears as if this was a completely random act of violence with very tragic results - neither Mrs. Shisler nor the 16-year old suspect had any ties to one another. We owe it to Mrs. Shisler to conduct a very thorough investigation so we can hold the person responsible for her death accountable. We also want to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Marshfield Police Department and the Webster County's Sheriff's Office for their assistance with this case who whose swift response and cooperation helped in apprehending this suspect."

The investigation is still ongoing and an autopsy will be scheduled for next week where GCSO Detectives will be present. The GCSO will also be working with the Greene County Juvenile Division who will review charges which may be submitted.

*A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.*